A micro gas turbine engine is a type of aircraft gas turbine engine, typically referring to a miniature turbojet engine with a thrust of 1,000 N or less. Since 2010, as the technology has matured, it has seen widespread application as a propulsion system for both civil and military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), gliders, and next-generation aircraft.
Since the mid-2010s, KARI has conducted extensive research to expand the practical use of micro gas turbine engines. In collaboration with academia and industry, the institute has developed technologies for engine controllers, micro turbofan engines, and supersonic micro gas turbine engines, enhancing its design and testing capabilities. Through these diverse R&D initiatives, KARI aims to commercialize micro gas turbines as low-cost propulsion systems for UAVs, thereby broadening their application potential.
KARI also supports the domestic development of micro gas turbine engines by assisting private companies in acquiring design and performance evaluation technologies. These efforts are expected to accelerate the localization of micro gas turbine technologies and enhance the competitiveness of the entire domestic ecosystem.