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Frank A. Jones
Frank A. Jones
Manager, Business Development

Attritable turbojet engines for unmanned combat air systems

09/01/2022

Attritable turbojet engine development

Since 2002 PBS Aerospace has taken a giant leap in turbojet engine segment product development. Following the unprecedented success of the PBS TJ100 engine program, PBS Aerospace has launched 3 additional engine programs – the TJ40, TJ80 & TJ150. In the beginning, all of the engine programs were developed to meet multiple-use application requirements (e.g., higher TBO, dedicated oil systems).
 
Recently PBS Aerospace has been considering a different approach in engine requirements and is adapting some of the engines toward single-use applications such as stand-off weapons or jet powered loitering munitions. These future unmanned combat air systems demand an engine solution with attritable aspects, but still with very highly technically demanding features such as:
  • Rapid start sequence
  • HAHV start-up performance (High Altitude High Velocity)
  • Excellent thrust-to-weight ratio
  • Increased longitudinal, vertical & lateral flight loads
  • Adjustable thrust control
  • Small diameter and compact installation envelope
  • Embedded electrical power generation
 Attritable Turbojet PBS TJ40
Attritable Turbojet PBS TJ40
 

WORKING HAND-IN-HAND WITH THE CUSTOMERS

 
Very specific attributes have to be considered while developing an attritable engine. The best way to ensure the compatibility with the specific platforms is to work closely with the customers. This enables the product (engine solution) to be developed, tested and produced faster.
 
An attritable approach in the PBS TJ40 engine program has been taken into account recently. The approach has already provided validated results during the testing phase. Some of the examples of the different approach include implementing a rapid start-up sequence system, increasing the thrust-to-weight ratio or providing higher embedded electrical power generation system.
 
The PBS TJ80 engine program is currently being offered in various modifications which have different technical specifications ranges and engine features. The specification range includes up to 2250 W of embedded el. power delivered to the onboard systems, flight envelope enhanced to more than 32,000 ft. and maximum starting altitude of almost 20,000 ft. The engine is fuel lubricated, so it naturally makes the propulsion solution lighter and simpler to use and utilize.

While the PBS TJ100 and PBS TJ150 solutions have been powering mainly multi-use applications, recently PBS Aerospace has introduced oil-free version which meet the current requirements of single use applications. This modification makes the propulsion system lighter and more cost-effective. Thrust range of the PBS TJ100 and TJ150 is currently at 280-330 lbf – this makes the engine un unrivalled solution for future stand-off weapons in the 500 – 700 lbs weight range.
 
Focusing on 2025-2030 future unmanned programs, PBS is currently working on the TJ200 series. This engine will bring unmatched power / weight ratio for future effectors and PGMs in the thrust range of 500 – 650 lbf. With this development initiative, PBS Aerospace is bringing the world’s first turbojet engine in this class to the market.
PBS TJ200
PBS TJ200
 


UNMANNED INITIATIVE

 
PBS Aerospace engines are currently manufactured within the thrust range of 90 – 340 lbf. This range will increase significantly as PBS is nearing the launch of the TJ200 series. The capabilities described above make the PBS Aerospace attritable engines an ideal fit for:
 
  • Stand-Off Weapons
  • Effectors & PGMs
  • Loyal Wingmen & Remote Carriers


Radim Jansa
Business Development
PBS Group
 

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