Yes, both South Korea and Turkey have been developing capabilities in single-crystal (SC) alloy production for jet engines, though they are still not at the level of leading aerospace nations like the U.S., China, Russia, UK, and France.

South Korea:

• Hanwha Aerospace, the main aerospace company in South Korea, has been working on high-temperature materials for jet engines.

• South Korea has indigenous fighter jet programs, such as the KF-21 Boramae, which requires advanced turbine blades.

• Reports indicate that Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has been working on SC alloys for military jet engines.

• However, as of now, South Korea still imports critical SC turbine blades from the U.S. and other advanced suppliers.

Turkey:

• TUSAS Engine Industries (TEI), a subsidiary of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), has been developing indigenous engines like the TF-6000 and TF-10000 for Turkey’s TF-X Kaan fighter jet.

• TEI has been working on advanced turbine materials, including directionally solidified (DS) and single-crystal (SC) alloys.

• In 2023, Turkish officials claimed they had successfully developed first-generation SC turbine blades.

• However, Turkey still relies on Western suppliers for high-end SC alloy technology, and it is unclear whether their SC alloys meet the reliability and durability standards of top-tier aerospace manufacturers.

Comparison with Global Leaders:

• The U.S., China, UK, and Russia have mastered third- and fourth-generation SC alloys, which allow for higher Turbine Front Temperatures (TFT) of 1,850K and above.

• South Korea and Turkey are likely working on first- or second-generation SC alloys, meaning their jet engines may not match the durability and efficiency of top global engines.

Conclusion:

Both South Korea and Turkey have some progress in SC alloy technology, but they still depend on foreign suppliers for the most advanced turbine blades. China and India are also in similar stages, though China is ahead with more proven domestic SC production.

Would you like more details on the specific SC alloy generations and their temperature capabilities?

Single-Crystal (SC) Alloy Generations and Their Temperature Capabilities

Single-crystal (SC) turbine blade alloys are categorized into different generations, based on improvements in high-temperature resistance, oxidation resistance, and creep resistance. Each generation allows for higher Turbine Front Temperature (TFT), leading to greater efficiency and power output in jet engines.

1️⃣ First Generation (SC-1)

• Developed in the 1970s

• Material Composition: Ni-based superalloy with 3% rhenium (Re) or less

• Examples: PWA1480, René N4, MAR-M200

• TFT Capability: 1,500–1,600K

• Key Features:

• Eliminated grain boundary weaknesses of previous directionally solidified (DS) blades

• Moderate creep resistance and durability

• Used in early F100 and RD-33 engines

• Countries with Capability: U.S., Russia, UK, China, France, Germany, South Korea (partially), Turkey (partially)

2️⃣ Second Generation (SC-2)

• Developed in the 1980s–1990s

• Material Composition: 3–6% Rhenium (Re) added for improved creep and thermal resistance

• Examples: PWA1484, René N5

• TFT Capability: 1,650–1,700K

• Key Features:

• Improved high-temperature strength

• Used in later versions of F100, AL-31F, WS-10

• Countries with Capability: U.S., UK, Russia, China (limited), France, Germany

3️⃣ Third Generation (SC-3)

• Developed in the 1990s–2000s

• Material Composition: 6–9% Rhenium (Re) + Ruthenium (Ru) added to enhance oxidation resistance

• Examples: CMSX-10, René N6

• TFT Capability: 1,750–1,800K

• Key Features:

• Increased engine efficiency and lifespan

• Used in F119 (F-22 Raptor) and AL-41F1 (Su-57)

• China’s WS-15 (J-20) likely based on SC-3

• Countries with Capability: U.S., UK, Russia, China (WS-15 tests), France

4️⃣ Fourth Generation (SC-4)

• Developed in the 2000s–2010s

• Material Composition: 9–12% Rhenium (Re) + Ruthenium (Ru) for further oxidation resistance

• Examples: EPM-102, TMS-138

• TFT Capability: 1,850K+

• Key Features:

• Highest thermal resistance in operational engines

• Used in F135 (F-35 Lightning II)

• WS-15 (China) may approach this level

• Countries with Capability: U.S. (F135), China (in testing phase for WS-15)

5️⃣ Fifth Generation (SC-5) – Experimental

• Currently in development

• Material Composition: Further Re/Ru optimization + ceramic matrix coatings

• Expected TFT Capability: 1,900K+

• Future Uses:

• Next-gen adaptive cycle engines (e.g., NGAD program, China’s WS-20 variant)

• Higher efficiency hypersonic engines

• Countries Developing: U.S., China (probable), Russia (limited)

Comparison of SC Alloy Generations by Country

Key Takeaways:

1. U.S. leads in SC-4 & SC-5 alloys, used in F-35 (F135 engine) and next-gen adaptive engines.

2. China has likely mastered SC-3 and is developing SC-4 (WS-15 engine for J-20).

3. Russia uses SC-3 in Su-57 but lags in SC-4 and SC-5 development.

4. South Korea & Turkey are in early stages, working on SC-1 and possibly SC-2.

5. India has no domestic SC alloy production and relies on imports.

Would you like more details on specific engines that use these alloys?