Aircraft gas turbine engines are air-breathing propulsion systems widely used in both commercial and military aircraft.
These engines operate by compressing ambient air using a turbine-driven compressor, combusting the compressed air with fuel in a combustor, and using the resulting exhaust gases to drive the turbine. The engine generates thrust either directly from the exhaust (turbojet), by rotating a fan connected to the turbine (turbofan), or by rotating a rotor or propeller shaft (turboshaft or turboprop).
Due to their superior thrust-to-weight ratio, gas turbine engines are considered the most optimal propulsion system for modern aircraft, particularly when size and weight are critical factors. Often referred to as the "heart" of an aircraft, they have made it possible over the past century to build larger aircraft capable of flying longer distances.
Since 2010, KARI has focused on enhancing the reliability of high-altitude engine testing, designing high-load compressors with increased pressure ratios, and developing eco-friendly combustor technologies that raise exhaust temperatures while minimizing emissions. Core technologies to improve engine efficiency and reduce fuel consumption—such as turbine cooling systems for high-temperature operation—are also under development. These efforts are supported by KARI’s large-scale test infrastructure, which is capable of simulating real engine operating environments.
Building on these R&D outcomes, KARI has been working since the mid-2010s to localize gas turbine engines for small- and medium-sized manned and unmanned air vehicles, including turboshaft and micro gas turbines. Efforts are ongoing to develop high-thrust and high-output engines through independent domestic research.