China's 1,000-kW-class civil turboshaft engine obtains production license

This photo taken on June 5, 2025 shows an AES100 engine displayed at the review meeting on the engine's development work in Zhuzhou City, central China's Hunan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

A civil turboshaft engine, primarily designed for helicopters, has obtained its production license and secured a sales contract, laying a solid foundation for the growth of low-altitude equipment, Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) announced on Thursday.

The AES100 engine represents China's first independently developed 1,000-kW-class advanced civil turboshaft engine, achieving full compliance with international airworthiness standards.

The granting of this production license signifies China's capability to independently develop and manufacture advanced civil turboshaft engines, said Li Gaiqi, chief designer of the AES100 engine.

He noted that this achievement is of great importance to the AES100 engine in serving the low-altitude economy and supporting the general aviation industry.

The engine can maintain stable operations in complex conditions, including icy, heavy rain and strong electromagnetic environments. It has a high safety level, excellent cost-effectiveness and broad environmental adaptability, with outstanding performances in key indicators such as energy efficiency and service life, reaching internationally advanced levels, according to the AECC.

It can be used in 5-to-6-tonne twin-engine helicopters and 3-to-4-tonne single-engine helicopters, as well as tiltrotor aircraft and other aerial vehicles, and can undertake missions in such areas as transport, sightseeing, patrols and rescue operations.

The engine production license is a document issued by the Civil Aviation Administration of China to authorize manufacturers to produce civil aviation engines in accordance with approved designs, quality assurance systems and technical management systems. It is a critical qualification in the aircraft manufacturing sector.