Engineering:HAL PTAE-7
| HAL PTAE 7 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Turbojet |
| National origin |  India
|
| Manufacturer | HAL |
| Major applications | DRDO Lakshya |
The HAL PTAE-7 (Pilotless Target Aircraft Engine-7[1]) is an Indian small turbojet engine developed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)[1] and Gas Turbine Research Establishment , a lab under DRDO Defence Research and Development Organisation.[2][3][4]
The engine uses a four-stage, axial-flow compressor design with a single-stage turbine. The first stage is transonic. The engine is intended for target drones and other UAVs.[1]
History
In the late September 1980, the development project for indigenous development of PTA Engine (PTAE-7) was sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹45 million (US$630,900.00) to HAL based on a feasibility study and project proposal submitted by HAL.It was intended to power the DRDO Lakshya Target drone. The engine was fully developed by HAL by September 1985, concurrently with the PTA. HAL announced the successful trial of the indigenously designed and developed remote-controlled PTAE-7 jet engine on 24 January 2001.[5]
The HAL CATS Warrior employs two modified PTAE-7 engines that have been further developed by Aero Engine Research and Development Centre. .[6][7] The modified engine, designated PTAE-W, is a single-shaft, lightweight turbojet engine. The engine measures is 1.27 meters in length, 330 mm in diameter, and weighs 65 kg. The engine core includes a four-stage transonic axial compressor, single-stage turbine, annular flow combustion chamber, and 16 fuel flow burners. The engine variant also features a new FADEC system and an enhanced time between overhauls (TBO) of 1,000 hours with a thrust output of 380 kgf (3.7 kN) and a specific fuel consumption of 1.15 kg/kg.f/hr.[8][9] The HAL CATS Hunter is also planned to use the PTAE-7 engine.[10]
Variants and Applications
- PTAE-7: Used on DRDO Lakshya Target Drone family
- PTAE-W: Upgraded PTAE-7 used on HAL CATS Warrior drone.
PTAE-W on HAL CATS 
Lakshya Target Drone with Podded engine (seen here in yellow)
Operators
- India
- Indian Air Force
- Indian Navy
- DRDO [11]
See also
- Williams J400
- GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Costa et al. 2019, p. 3.
- ↑ "Lakshya Unmanned Aerial Vehicle" (in en-US). https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/lakshya-uav/.
- ↑ "PTAE-7: India's First Flight Worthy Turbojet Engine". http://www.jetflightpro.com/2013/08/ptae-7-indias-first-flight-worthy.html.
- ↑ "Defence Secretary inaugurates new design & test facility at HAL's Aero Engine Research & Development Centre in Bengaluru". https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1991532.
- ↑ PTAE-7 jet engine trial successful
- ↑ "HAL’s futuristic, deadly CATS to be battle-ready by 2024-25" (in en). 2021-02-09. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/Feb/05/hals-futuristic-deadly-cats-to-be-battle-ready-by-2024-25-2259724.html.
- ↑ C.S, Hemanth (2025-01-12). "HAL’s latest Combat Air Teaming System completes crucial test ahead of upcoming Aero India" (in en-IN). The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/hals-latest-combat-air-teaming-system-completes-crucial-test-ahead-of-upcoming-aero-india/article69090082.ece.
- ↑ "HAL Unveils CATS Warrior: A Significant Leap in Indian Aviation" (in en-US). 2025-01-11. https://alphadefense.in/index.php/2025/01/12/cats-warrior-engine-ground-run/?amp=1.
- ↑ Deshpande, Smruti (11 February 2025). "Designed for assisting fighter aircraft, HAL CATS likely to take first flight by year end". https://theprint.in/defence/designed-for-assisting-fighter-aircraft-hal-cats-likely-to-take-first-flight-by-year-end/2488765/?amp.
- ↑ Service, Express News (2021-02-04). "HAL’s unique deep penetration attack system for fighter pilots to be developed by 2024-25" (in en). https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/Feb/04/hals-unique-deep-penetration-attack-system-for-fighter-pilots-to-be-developed-by-2024-25-2259553.html.
- ↑ "UAV Lakshya". Press Information Bureau, Government of India. 14 May 2012. http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=83707.
Sources
- Costa, Fabiola Paula; Lindquist, Luiz Henrique; Bringhenti, Cleverson; Tomita, Jesuíno Takachi; Cavalca, Diogo Ferraz (2019-11-03). "An overview of small gas turbine engines". ISABE-2019. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337000329_An_overview_of_small_gas_turbine_engines. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
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