China Tests 3D-Printed Turbojet Engine in Successful 30-Minute Drone Flight

China’s 3D-Printed Turbojet Engine Powers 30-Minute Drone Flight

China has taken a major leap in unmanned aviation technology with the successful testing of a 3D-printed turbojet engine that powered a drone for nearly 30 minutes . The trial underscores Beijing’s rapid progress in additive-manufactured propulsion systems, which are becoming central to modern drone warfare and high-speed unmanned applications.

Breakthrough Turbojet Engine Performance

The test, led by the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) , demonstrated a compact turbojet capable of generating approximately 160 kg of thrust . Notably, over 75% of the engine’s structure— including the combustion chamber and turbine components—was produced using advanced additive manufacturing . This drastically reduces weight, machining time and production costs.

During the trial, the engine-powered drone achieved a 6,000-metre altitude and speeds close to Mach 0.75 , before safely descending with a parachute recovery system. Engineers emphasised that the performance exceeded expectations for a prototype stage.

Strategic and Military Relevance

China aims to deploy such engines in loitering munitions, swarm drones, target aircraft and lightweight UAVs . Additive manufacturing allows rapid iteration and large-scale production, meeting rising military demand for low-cost, high-performance expendable systems.

The achievement also highlights China’s desire to reduce dependency on imported propulsion technology—long considered a gap in its aerospace advancement.

Future Potential and Technical Challenges

Despite the milestone, experts caution that durability, high-temperature fatigue and long-cycle reliability remain key hurdles. Long-endurance stress tests, variable altitude trials and scaling for mass production will determine the engine’s operational viability.

Exam Facts

• Turbojet thrust: ~160 kg

• 75%+ parts made via 3D printing

• Drone reached Mach 0.75 and 6,000 m altitude

• Designed for expendable UAVs and loitering munitions