Smallest turbojet launched

The new TR-3 turbojet shown at the Safran stand (Hall 4/B12) is the smallest yet to be developed and put into production by Microturbo (one of Safran’s subsidiary companies). Certification of the tiny engine is expected by the end of this year, with series production slated to begin in 2009.

Having supplied products to some 50 countries, Microturbo is well known for its small turbojets, over 14,000 of which have been produced to date as engines or ground and auxiliary power units. Weighing less than a pound and some 13 inches long, the TR-3 carries a very high thrust-to-weight ratio and will have an operating envelope extending to an altitude of 30,000 feet.

Offered with such applications as expendable UAVs, target drones and missiles in mind, the TR-3 can reportedly operate under very harsh environmental conditions. According to Microturbo, it is also the only engine in its category able to combine high performance with high quality and as such enter large-scale production without compromising standards.