🚀 The Chinese mainland’s Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) recently completed the maiden flight test of a self-developed, 3D-printed minimalist turbojet engine in the northern region of the Chinese mainland – Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The breakthrough marks a new milestone in additive manufacturing and aerospace innovation this year.
During the 30-minute flight, the single-engine aircraft climbed to 6,000 meters and reached a top speed of Mach 0.75, with no abnormalities detected in any key performance parameters. AECC engineers noted that the engine worked smoothly across all performance states, verifying its reliability at high altitudes and in complex flight environments.
This dynamic test also showcased strong compatibility between the new engine and the aircraft system, highlighting its potential as a lightweight, high-efficiency power solution for loitering munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and target drones. Think of next-gen drones that stay in the sky longer and go farther—pretty cool, right? 🎯
By mastering 3D-printed turbojet technology, the Chinese mainland is boosting its independent R&D capabilities in advanced propulsion and additive manufacturing. As UAV startups and defense innovators keep an eye on these trends, we could soon see lighter, smarter aviation engines powering everything from scouting missions to high-altitude research flights.
What’s next? AECC plans more flight tests under different conditions to push this tech even further. For now, this successful maiden flight signals a bold step into a future where 3D printing and jet engines collide—bringing fresh possibilities to the sky! 🌤️✨
Reference(s):
China completes maiden test flight of a 3D-printed mini jet engine
cgtn.com
