China has achieved a milestone in aviation technology with the successful maiden flight test of a domestically developed 3D-printed minimalist turbojet engine. Conducted in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the 30-minute test flight reached an altitude of 6,000 meters and a speed of Mach 0.75, according to the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC).
The engine, powering a single-engine aircraft, demonstrated stable performance across all operational parameters, with no irregularities reported. Developers highlighted its reliability in high-altitude and complex flight conditions, as well as its seamless integration with the aircraft system. This breakthrough could enhance propulsion solutions for loitering munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and target drones.
The AECC emphasized that the test underscores China’s progress in additive manufacturing and independent R&D for lightweight, high-efficiency aviation engines. The achievement aligns with broader efforts to advance the country’s aerospace capabilities and technological self-reliance.
