The Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) has successfully completed the first flight test of its 3D-printed micro turbojet engine in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Tuesday. The company announced the achievement on its official WeChat account the following day. The engine represents China’s first domestically developed 3D-printed turbojet to complete a flight test.
The micro turbojet engine generates 160 kilograms of thrust and incorporates multidisciplinary topological optimization and additive manufacturing technology. According to AECC, the engine addresses a domestic gap in full-scale engineering application of this technology. The development utilized integrated component design approaches tailored specifically for additive manufacturing processes.
During the flight test, the engine reached a maximum altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level according to the planned test scheme. The test flight was designed to verify the engine’s reliability and stability under actual flight conditions. AECC conducted comprehensive ground testing prior to the flight test, including performance standards and engine life evaluations.
The development team focused on reducing structural weight while improving key performance indicators through topological optimization design. The engine’s lightweight construction earned it the designation as a “Minimalist Lightweight” design. AECC stated that “This successful maiden flight will lay a more solid technical foundation for the development of subsequent advanced aviation engines.”
Source: globaltimes.cn