CSIR-NAL NJ-05, NJ-50, NJ-100 gas turbine engines for UAVs
Why in the news
India’s CSIR-NAL showed three home-built small jet engines in August 2026, aimed at drones and missiles.
Key facts
- Engines: NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100, thrust of 5 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg in that order.
- Use: defence UAVs and missile systems.
- Technology: high-RPM turbomachinery and advanced combustion.
- Developer: CSIR-NAL, boosting indigenous aerospace capability.
Significance
- Strengthens self-reliance in engines for unmanned and missile platforms.
Exam angle
- Likely question: which engine has 100 kg thrust? Answer: NJ-100.
- Developer: CSIR-NAL. Application: UAVs and missiles.
- Related terms: gas turbine engine, thrust, turbomachinery.