China has made a significant leap in its aerospace capabilities by successfully completing the first ignition test of its domestically developed 600-kilogram thrust turbofan engine in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The Aero Engine Corporation of China announced the milestone on Friday, marking a proud moment for China's engineering and technological prowess.
This turbofan engine, the first of its kind developed entirely within China, boasts a thrust of 600 kilograms and is fully Chinese-owned in terms of intellectual property rights. Designed to perform at altitudes above 15,000 meters and reach speeds exceeding 0.8 Mach, the engine offers long endurance, low fuel consumption, and high reliability—key features for advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Remarkably, the development of this turbofan engine took less than eight months, setting a new record for research and development in this category. The engine is intended primarily for high-end UAVs, with plans for flight condition testing scheduled for June 2025. Final design approval is expected by 2026, paving the way for widespread implementation.
The introduction of this turbofan engine is set to significantly enhance China's capabilities in the 1.5- to 4-tonne UAV category, positioning the country as a leader in the rapidly evolving aerospace and defense industries.
Reference(s):
China completes ignition test for 600-kg thrust turbofan engine
cgtn.com
