China completes ignition test for 600-kg thrust turbofan engine

China has successfully completed the first ignition test of its domestically developed 600-kilogram thrust turbofan engine in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aero Engine Corporation of China announced on Friday.

The turbofan engine is the first of its kind developed in China. It delivers a thrust of 600 kilograms and is fully Chinese-owned in terms of intellectual property rights. It is capable of reaching altitudes above 15,000 meters with speeds exceeding 0.8 Mach. Among its features are long endurance, low fuel consumption and high reliability.

The engine is primarily intended for high-end unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). From its design to the successful ignition, it was developed in less than eight months, setting a new record for the research and development of this type of turbofan engine.

The engine is slated to be used in flight conditions for the first time in June 2025, and reach final design approval by 2026. The turbofan engine is expected to significantly boost China's capabilities in the 1.5- to 4-tonne UAV category.