China has achieved a significant milestone in aerospace technology with the successful ignition test of its first domestically developed 600-kilogram thrust turbofan engine. The test was conducted in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, and was announced by the Aero Engine Corporation of China on Friday.
This pioneering turbofan engine is fully owned in terms of intellectual property rights and marks a breakthrough in China’s aviation capabilities. Capable of reaching altitudes above 15,000 meters and speeds exceeding 0.8 Mach, the engine boasts long endurance, low fuel consumption, and high reliability.
Primarily designed for high-end unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the engine was developed in less than eight months—a new record for this type of technology in China. Its rapid development reflects the country’s growing expertise in aerospace engineering.
The engine is scheduled to be used in flight conditions for the first time in June 2025 and is expected to receive final design approval by 2026. Once operational, it is set to significantly enhance China’s capabilities in the 1.5- to 4-tonne UAV category.
This advancement not only accelerates China’s progress in UAV technology but also demonstrates the nation’s commitment to innovation and technological development in the aerospace sector.
Reference(s):
China completes ignition test for 600-kg thrust turbofan engine
cgtn.com
