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China’s AES100 Aircraft Engine Receives Production License, Begins Mass Production

China’s AES100 Aircraft Engine Receives Production License and Enters Mass Production
China has reached a significant milestone in its civil aviation industry with the AES100, the nation’s first fully independently developed advanced civil turboshaft engine, receiving its production license. This development marks the transition of the AES100 from the research and development phase to mass production, underscoring China’s expanding capabilities in designing, manufacturing, and commercializing sophisticated aviation engines. The Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) announced the licensing alongside the securing of the engine’s initial sales contract, signaling a new chapter for China’s aviation sector.
Advancing Domestic Aviation Technology and Industry
The production license for the AES100 establishes a foundation for the engine’s market entry and is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of China’s low-altitude economy and general aviation industry. Li Gaiqi, the chief designer of the AES100, highlighted at a research and development meeting in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, that the license represents China’s ability to independently develop and produce advanced civil turboshaft engines. He further emphasized that the country has now built a comprehensive domestic supply and industrial chain for such engines, a critical factor for the large-scale application and commercialization of the AES100.
On the same day as the license announcement, AECC and United Aircraft Group formalized contracts for the sale and lease of AES100 engines, with deliveries planned to be completed by the end of 2026. The AES100 is set to power the 6-ton tiltrotor Lanying R6000 aircraft, which is designed for missions requiring substantial commercial payload capacity, extended range, and operational flexibility in complex environments.
Technical Specifications and Market Challenges
Engineered to meet international standards, the AES100 is primarily intended for civil helicopter applications. It incorporates breakthroughs across more than 200 key technologies, delivering high reliability, low fuel consumption, and ease of maintenance. The engine provides a takeoff power output of no less than 1,000 kW and is compatible with 5- to 6-ton twin-engine helicopters, 3- to 4-ton single-engine helicopters, and tiltrotor aircraft. Its versatility supports a range of roles including transportation, sightseeing, patrol, and rescue operations. The AES100 successfully passed rigorous ice testing in January 2024 and obtained its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China in August 2024.
Despite these technical achievements, the AES100 faces considerable challenges as it enters a competitive global market dominated by established manufacturers such as General Electric and CFM International. Industry analysts caution that China must address potential supply chain vulnerabilities and prove the engine’s durability and performance over time to secure broader market acceptance. The AES100’s introduction is expected to invite increased scrutiny from customers and regulators, while also intensifying the demand for technological innovation. In response, incumbent competitors are likely to accelerate their own research and development efforts to maintain their market leadership.
As China embarks on mass production of the AES100, the engine’s operational performance and reception in both domestic and international markets will be closely monitored, reflecting the country’s ambitions to expand its presence in the global aviation industry.

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