In a milestone for aerospace and additive manufacturing, the Chinese mainland’s Aero Engine Corporation announced the successful maiden flight test of a self-developed, 3D-printed mini turbojet engine over Inner Mongolia’s wide-open skies.
The trial, carried out this week, saw an unmanned aircraft powered by the minimalist turbojet sustain a 30-minute flight, climb to 6,000 meters, and reach a top speed of Mach 0.75. According to the AECC, the engine ran smoothly across all performance states, with no abnormalities detected in key operating parameters.
Beyond the raw figures, this test demonstrates the strong compatibility between the 3D-printed propulsion system and the aircraft platform. Engineers say it offers a lightweight, high-efficiency power solution ideal for loitering munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and target drones—areas where agility and endurance are paramount.
By leveraging additive manufacturing, designers can reduce production time and material waste while tailoring engine parts to precise specifications. This approach not only cuts weight but also streamlines maintenance cycles, a critical advantage for next-generation UAV fleets and rapid-prototype war-gaming targets.
Industry observers note that the Chinese mainland’s success signals a broader global shift toward digital fabrication in aviation. As materials science advances and 3D-printing techniques mature, compact turbojets could power everything from long-haul drone missions to personal air mobility concepts.
Looking ahead, the AECC plans to conduct further evaluations under varied environmental conditions and integrate the engine into a wider range of air platforms. For young innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers worldwide, this development underscores the transformative potential of 3D-printing to redefine aerospace engineering and open new frontiers of flight.
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China completes maiden test flight of a 3D-printed mini jet engine
cgtn.com
