NASA Unveils Compact Jet Engine Capable of Fitting on a Kitchen Table

NASA, renowned for its space exploration endeavors, is also making significant strides in aviation technology with its development of one of the smallest jet engines in existence, the DGEN380 Aero-Propulsion Research Turbofan. Known as DART, this compact jet engine is distinct from NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test spacecraft and represents a notable advancement in turbofan technology.

Originally created by the French company Price Induction (now Akira), the DART engine was acquired by NASA in 2017. Measuring just 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) in length, this engine is about half the size of typical commercial jet engines and can comfortably fit on an average kitchen table. Its small size does not diminish its capabilities; the DART is fully operational and plays a crucial role in NASA’s ongoing research into new aviation technologies.

Housed at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, the engine is mounted on a modestly equipped test stand, which is intentionally simple to facilitate the testing of various innovative components and technologies. This streamlined setup not only allows for a broad range of experiments but also keeps operational costs lower than those associated with larger, more complex rigs.

While specific performance details like thrust remain undisclosed, NASA has shared that the DART boasts a high bypass ratio. This ratio is key to its efficiency, indicating how much air pulled in by the engine’s fan contributes to thrust versus being used for combustion.

The DART has been instrumental in testing new materials aimed at reducing engine noise and enhancing the quietness of airliners. Looking ahead, NASA plans to use the DART for further innovations, including exploring ways to improve fuel efficiency in aircraft engines. These advancements are targeted for implementation in new forms of propulsion by the 2030s, potentially culminating in the development of a small-core commercial engine.

Additionally, NASA’s future tests with the DART will also focus on developing new protective coatings for engine parts, sensors, and other components. These developments, initially validated with the DART, could later be expanded upon and tested in wind tunnels to refine their effectiveness and prepare them for practical application.

This compact jet engine not only underscores NASA’s commitment to pioneering aviation technology but also highlights the potential for significant advancements in aerospace engineering from a surprisingly small package.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, autoevolution.com