Experimental Performance Data for Small-Sized Gas Turbine Engines with a Gas Generator of an Identical Configuration
Authors: Khaliulin R.R.
Published in issue: #9(177)/2026
Category: Aviation and Rocket-Space Engineering | Chapter: Thermal, Electric Jet Engines, and Power Plants of Aircrafts
An integral stage in the development of small-sized gas turbine engines is the investigation of the characteristics of both individual components and the integrated system during testing. Small-sized gas turbine engines constitute a distinct class of gas turbine engines with an air flow rate of less than 10 kg/s, a pressure ratio not exceeding 9, and a turbine inlet temperature not exceeding 1600K. They possess unique characteristics that directly influence their testing methodology. They have found wide application in aviation (unmanned aerial vehicles, auxiliary power units, training aircraft, helicopters) as well as in ground‑based power plants. The testing phase begins with determining the type of small-sized gas turbine engine, for example, turbojet (SGTJE) with afterburner (SGTJEA), turboprop (SGTPrE), or turbofan (SGTJFE). The main challenge in testing SGTEs is associated with their scale. Due to the small dimensions of the flow path, radial clearances and working fluid leakages, which are of critical importance, increase. This necessitates the development of special, often more sensitive, measurement methods and mathematical models for interpreting test results. SGTEs testing is a multi‑stage process aimed at confirming the performance, safety, and reliability of the engine. This paper considers the main aspects of testing small‑sized gas turbine engines with a thrust of up to 1200 N. Special attention is paid to determining thrust and specific fuel consumption under varying engine operating conditions. The results of studies of three engines with different thrusts of 230, 800 N, 1050, and 1200 N, which have a gas generator typical for such engines — a centrifugal compressor, an annular combustor, and an axial turbine — are presented.
EDN EZWAZZ
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