China Unveils 600-Kilogram Thrust Engines for Heavy, Long-endurance Drones

Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) has completed the first ignition of its indigenously developed 600-kilogram thrust-class high-end turbofan engine on Friday, according to a statement published by the company on its official WeChat account.

The new will significantly enhance China's capability in the 1.5 to 4-ton UAV category, according to the statement.

This engine can operate at an altitude of 15,000 meters and a speed of Mach 0.8. It also feature capabilities such as long endurance, and high reliability. It is primarily intended for use in high-end unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other applications.

From initial design to manufacturing, assembly, and first successful ignition, the engine was completed in less than eight months. According to the plan, the engine is expected to make its first flight in June 2025, with final certification to be completed by 2026.

At the Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai, China showed an all new drone - the Scoprion B 2 -ton drone capable of of transporting cargo or conducting armed reconnaissance as well as plans of new drones in the 3-4 ton class. This new engine could power some of these drones.