China’s AECC successfully flight tests additively manufactured micro turbojet engine
The Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) has completed the first flight test of its additively manufactured Minimalist Lightweight Micro Turbojet Engine. The trials took place in North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, AECC is reported to have announced on its official WeChat account.
The ultra-lightweight miniature jet engine is reportedly China’s first flight-validated turbojet engine in the 160-kilogram thrust class, manufactured entirely using multi-disciplinary topology optimisation Additive Manufacturing techniques.
During the flight test, the drone reached a maximum altitude of 4,000 metres above sea level, which fully verified the engine’s reliability and stability under real flight conditions.
The engine’s development team applied multidisciplinary topology optimisation tailored for Additive Manufacturing, significantly reducing the engine’s structural weight and delivering substantial improvements in key performance indicators. To ensure the success of the flight test on its first attempt, the engine had completed a series of critical ground tests, including performance validation and engine life assessments.
AECC said this successful maiden flight will provide a stronger technical foundation for the development of subsequent advanced aviation engines.
