🦈 China builds jet engines using ‘shark skin’ tech, World's 1st 3D-printed engine-powered rocket takes flight in India, US Marine Corps purchase 100s of tiny tank-like robots from Israeli company

Chinese scientists have achieved a breakthrough in aviation technology by developing a new 3D-printed structure for turbofans inspired by the aerodynamic properties of shark skin.

The new “shark skin” structures can reduce drag by as much as 10%. The skin is made from high-strength, large-scale titanium alloy that is precision 3D printed.

This development hailed as a significant milestone in the race for next-generation aviation engine design, could help China leapfrog the United States. For more on this development, check out today’s Must-Read.

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> Principal Engineer
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MUST READ

🦈 China builds jet engines using ‘shark skin’ tech, which US plans to skip

The development of a new generation of engines demanding greater thrust and lower fuel consumption has been slow due to technical challenges. However, the hollow fan blades enabled by the “shark skin” technology could transform the aviation industry.

In collaboration with Northwestern Polytechnical University, the research team developed an intermediate casing that contains bionic grooves thinner than a human hair and connects the engine’s front intake fan and compressor to the aircraft fuselage.

“Using shape memory alloys, we can also design and manufacture smart exhaust nozzles with adaptive adjustment functions, eliminating complex mechanical structures and achieving significant weight reduction,” added the team behind the innovation.

🚀 World’s 1st 3D-printed engine-powered rocket flies successfully in India

An Indian private space firm, Agnikul Cosmos, has successfully tested a rocket with the world’s first fully 3D-printed rocket engine.

While the firm achieved this feat in its fifth attempt, the test also marked the first time a rocket powered by a semi-cryogenic engine completed a test flight in India.

The team at Agnikul turned to 3D printing to keep costs in check, streamline manufacturing, and reduce assembly time. The startup’s engine, Agnilet, leverages a propulsion system that generates approximately 3kN of thrust at sea level. Agnikul’s mission achieved its intended altitude of about 8 kilometers before falling into the sea.

🤖 Israel to supply 100s of customizable tiny tank-like robots to US

The United States Marine Corps has placed a purchase order for 130 Roboteam Micro Tactical Ground Robot (MTGR) systems as part of a larger order with the Israeli company totaling around $30 million.

The MTGR is a highly maneuverable, lightweight robotic platform, with advanced capabilities like stair-climbing and self-righting, fit to excel in both indoor and outdoor scenarios.

Additionally, the MTGR features day-and night-capable optics, providing operators with 360-degree vision, and a manipulator arm that it can use to investigate objects. MTGRs are ideal for tasks like Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) missions, special operations, or tactical maneuvers.

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