The AI-PBS-350 is a turbojet engine jointly developed by Czech manufacturer PBS Velká Bíteš and the Ukrainian design bureau Ivchenko-Progress. The engine is marketed for use in missiles and large unmanned aerial systems. As of 2024, it is currently the highest thrust engine developed by PBS,[2] exceeding the thrust of PBS's next highest engine, the PBS TJ150.
| AI-PBS-350 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Jet aircraft engine |
| National origin | Czech Republic |
| Manufacturer | PBS Velká Bíteš and Ivchenko-Progress |
| Major applications | Palianytsia[1] |
History
editOn the 19th of June, 2023,[3] Velka Bites and Ivchenko-Progress signed a memorandum of understanding, detailing the framework from which the engine would be developed and produced.[4]
Concerns were raised about Ivchenko-Progress' capability to produce the engine,[5] with its headquarters in Zaporizhzhia, a city heavily affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ivor Kravchenko, the director general for Ivchenko-Progress stated that while the factory had sustained damage, it continues to operate, with strong backing from the Ukrainian government enabling it to maintain its 3000 strong workforce.
The engine was displayed at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, along with other products from PBS, such as turbine engines, Auxiliary power units and environmental control systems.[6]
Design
editThe AI-PBS-350 is a compact turbojet engine optimized for single mission UAV systems. It features a four stage compressor, driven by a single stage turbine.[2] It has a digital engine control unit and a fuel metering pump. Along with pyrotechnic ignition, it also utilizes windmill starting, wherein the aircraft uses its forward momentum to turn the rotor blades, reducing the weight of the system and improving performance.[7]
Specifications
editData from [8]
General characteristics
- Type: turbojet
- Length: 706 mm
- Diameter: 298 mm
- Dry weight: 51 kg
Components
- Compressor: four-stage axial compressor
- Turbine: single-stage axial turbine
Performance
- Maximum thrust: 3400 N
- Specific fuel consumption: 0.125 lb/(lbf⋅h) (3.5 g/(kN⋅s))
- Thrust-to-weight ratio: 6.1
References
edit- ^ Axe, David (12 September 2024). "There's a much better alternative to the Storm Shadow missile for Ukraine". The Telegraph. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ a b "AI-PBS-350 TURBOJET ENGINE". pbs.cz. PBS Velká Bíteš. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ "Czech Firm PBS and Ukrainian Ivchenko Progress to Develop New Drone Engine". Defensemirror.com. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ "The Czech Republic and Ukraine will jointly develop the AI-PBS-350 engine". militarnyi. 22 June 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ Pocock, Chris (June 20, 2023). "PBS and Ivchenko Sign MoU for Small Turbojet". Aviation International News. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ "PBS GROUP Unveils Its Most Powerful Engine Yet at Farnborough Airshow" (PDF). pbs.cz. PBS Velká Bíteš. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ Chen, Xia; et, al (August 2013). "Research on windmill starting characteristics of MTE-D micro turbine engine". Chinese Journal of Aeronautics. 26 (4): 858–867. Bibcode:2013ChJAn..26..858X. doi:10.1016/j.cja.2013.06.003. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
- ^ "Jet engine AI-PBS-350". pbs.cz. PBS Velká Bíteš. Retrieved 9 August 2024.