Even though the engine project is not yet finalized and no one seems to have a clear idea about it, I would like to ask something I don’t fully understand.
Regarding the KAAN’s engine, the biggest handicap of the project:
If we assume this engine will enter service around 2030, its contemporaries will utilize next-generation technologies such as Adaptive Cycle Engines (ACE) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC).
Yes, in an environment where we still consider the engine a handicap, expecting these technologies not to be included in the engine may seem acceptable or even reasonable.
But here’s the question question and the things that made me ask;
1. Temel Kotil repeatedly stated that the engine would revolutionize ceramic usage.
2. In January, TEI launched projects on CMC (SİCİM, ÖTEKTİK).
3. The new General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu mentioned in his first interview that they were working on an engine suitable for both 5th and 6th generation fighter jets, subtly hinting at a potential delay.
4. In a recent interview with TEI General Manager Mahmut Akşit, he was asked about TVC, and it was stated that such technologies could be added to the aircraft/engine over time.
Now, considering the 6th-generation engine concept in parallel with the ever-growing ambitions of the Turkish Air Force:
Could the country’s ultimate milestone engine utilize TEI’s existing R&D projects ? Can critical engine components like these be updated in future blocks?
Or perhaps the TF35K is being designed with CMC from the outset?
Beyond this, it’s already impossible to infer anything about ACE except for Demiroğlu’s indirect 6th-generation statement.
I know it's extremely speculative but I can't figure out what they're planning based on the interviews and the new R&D projects.
When we decided to manufacture a gas turbine engine for our helicopters we did not go the directionally solidified turbine blades route. But went for the ultimate at the time, which was single crystal.
If you check the TF6000 engine details, again, we have utilised friction welded fan and compressor blades to get optimum efficiency from the engine.
Eutectic Ceramic Composite materials used in turbine blades have allowed for up to temperatures of 1700 degrees Celsius to be reached and does not require thermal and environmental
barrier coatings, whilst imparting very good creep resistance and reliability with fracture toughness, as well as flexural and tensile strength are maintained up to right below the melting point temperature of the materials.
Having set up development programmes for all these materials in house, it is only logical to expect TEI to utilise these technologies somewhere along the way. But apart from the CMC materials being used in hot sections of engines like T901, XA100, LEAP GE9X , which is still a fairly new technology that is being adapted in to turbine engines, the others are still in development stages. But TEI, with close connection to GE, should be able to utilise this tech to our domestic engines. But when that can be is a question only TEI can answer.
Adaptive Cycle engines are still in development stage. The only known working example is the GE’s XA100 engine. This engine gives you best of both worlds.
As you would know, a jet engine is most efficient in turbofan mode at lower altitude where air is denser. But loses efficiency at higher altitudes, which is the domain of turbojets. Adaptive Cycle system, seamlessly crosses from turbofan to turbojet and vice versa, as the plane changes altitude.
There is even a possibility to change from turbojet to ramjet mode using the same adaptive system, giving superior speed characteristics to the plane.
But the recent working trial of CRDE - Continuously Rotatating Detonation Engine system GE has showcased is the way forward of ultimate jet propulsion. A plane propelled by such an engine will theoretically fly in and outside of atmosphere if oxygen is stored on the plane like the fuel. (Pls see below post)
There is still a long way to go with this engine. We have only managed to run it for 10seconds. It needs to operate flawlessly before we can say we have “developed“ it. Nevertheless, what Tubitak has achieved is exemplary. Great step towards developing this engine. As conventional air breathing...
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