SOURCE: AFI
Azad Engineering has embarked on the development of the Advanced Turbo Gas Generator (ATGG), an innovative propulsion system under contract from the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a division of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This engine is poised to play a critical role in India’s defense landscape, with indications that it will power the Medium-Range Anti-Ship Missile currently under development.
The ATGG is a single-spool turbojet engine, reflecting cutting-edge design and engineering. Its configuration includes a four-stage axial flow compressor, which efficiently compresses incoming air to support high-performance combustion. The annular combustor ensures efficient and stable combustion of fuel, while the single-stage axial flow uncooled turbine provides the necessary thrust output with a simplified cooling requirement, enhancing reliability. The engine concludes with a fixed exit area nozzle, designed to optimize exhaust flow and improve propulsion efficiency.
This advanced engine is not limited to missile systems. Its versatile design makes it suitable for a range of aerospace applications, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), target drones, and other aviation platforms. Its development underscores India’s growing capability in indigenous propulsion technologies, reducing reliance on foreign systems while addressing the evolving needs of the country’s armed forces.
The contract with GTRE signifies a step forward in the collaboration between the Indian defense establishment and private sector engineering firms. With Azad Engineering at the helm of this ambitious project, the ATGG exemplifies India’s focus on leveraging domestic expertise to bolster its defense and aerospace sectors.
Key Features of the ATGG:
- Compact Design: The single-spool configuration allows for a compact and lightweight engine, crucial for applications where size and weight are limiting factors.
- Efficiency: The 4-stage axial flow compressor is designed to provide high thrust-to-weight ratios, ensuring the missile can achieve the necessary speed and range.
- Durability: An uncooled turbine suggests the engine can operate under extreme conditions without the complexities and additional weight of cooling systems.
- Versatility: While primarily intended for the Anit-ship missile program, the ATGG’s design makes it adaptable for use in various aerospace applications like UAVs, target drones, and potentially other types of aircraft.