CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -China has set up a state-owned aircraft engine maker with registered capital of 50 billion yuan ($7.5 billion), state television said on Sunday, in the latest effort to develop home-grown, high-tech businesses to compete in international markets.

Detailed explanation-2: -In some senses, the ability to manufacture combat jet-engines is the true test of a country’s military-industrial base. All five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council-the United States of America, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France-make advanced engines.

Detailed explanation-3: -As per the Annual Strategy Dossier – 2021, the top four global commercial aircraft turbofan engine manufacturers are Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, GE Aviation and Safran. GE and Safran of France have a joint venture called CFM International.

Detailed explanation-4: -Hans von Ohain of Germany was the designer of the first operational jet engine, though credit for the invention of the jet engine went to Great Britain’s Frank Whittle.

Detailed explanation-5: -They’re still new, and the process of installing them on Chinese aircraft is still ongoing, but China is now manufacturing the ‘hearts’ of jet aircraft and gradually reducing the dependence on Russian engines.