Prelims: Current events of national and international importance| Science and technology
Why in News?
Recently CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) unveiled 3 indigenous Micro and Small Gas Turbine Engines for defence applications.
- Aim – To strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat in aerospace propulsion and unmanned defence technologies.
- Key facts
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Engine
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Thrust
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Possible Applications
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NJ-05
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5 kg
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Tactical UAVs, small platforms
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NJ-50
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50 kg
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UAVs, drone interceptors
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NJ-100
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100 kg
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UAVs, drone interceptors, compact missiles
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About the Engines
- Developed by – Indigenously by CSIR-NAL.
- These are designed as compact propulsion systems.
- Based on – Advances in High-RPM turbomachinery
- High-temperature combustion
- Intended to support the domestic UAV, drone and defence aerospace ecosystem.
- Domestic manufacturing at scale could enable wider adoption by Indian defence industries.
- Strategic significance
- It reduces dependence on foreign propulsion technologies.
- It strengthens India's capability in critical aerospace technologies.
- It supports indigenous development of UAVs, Drone-interception systems, Compact missile platforms.
- Can help integrate Indian aerospace start-ups and industries into defence manufacturing.
About CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL)
- Location – Bengaluru.
- It is India's only government aerospace research and development laboratory in the civilian sector.
- Established in – 1959.
- It focuses on advanced aerospace technologies, civil aircraft design, and supporting national space and defense programs
Reference
DD India| Indigenous Micro and Small Gas Turbine Engines
