The Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) just wrapped up the maiden test flight of its self-developed, 3D-printed mini turbojet in the Chinese mainland’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. 🛩️💨
The 30-minute flight hit 6,000 meters and reached Mach 0.75, with the engine performing flawlessly across all stages. That’s a big tick for reliability at altitude!
Here’s the tech gist:
- 3D-Printed Engine: Built layer by layer using metal powders—think of it like a high-tech laser baking metal parts into shape.
- Smooth Performance: No glitches or parameter hiccups across takeoff, cruise, or descent.
- Next-Gen Applications: Ideal for loitering munitions, UAVs, target drones, and even potential civilian uses down the line.
Why it matters: additive manufacturing slashes weight and cuts down production time. For regions buzzing with drone innovation—from crop mapping in Southeast Asia to delivery drones in India—this tech hints at super-light, high-efficiency engines fueling future aerial tools. 🌱📦
The AECC says this flight is a milestone for boosting independent R&D in advanced propulsion. What’s next? Wider tests and maybe a new era of miniaturized turbojets. Keep your eyes to the skies! 🚀
Reference(s):
China completes maiden test flight of a 3D-printed mini jet engine
cgtn.com
