China approves 100% domestically developed helicopter engine for mass production (X @XHNews)
China has approved the mass production of the AES100, its first 1,000-kilowatt turboshaft helicopter engine developed entirely within the country.
This achievement is seen as a major milestone for China’s aviation ambitions, especially in light of U.S. restrictions on the export of jet engine technologies.
The engine was developed by the state-owned Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) and has been licensed for production, marking the establishment of a complete domestic industrial chain for this type of technology.
The AES100 can power medium-sized helicopters, both single- and twin-engine configurations, as well as tiltrotor aircraft. It is capable of reliable performance in harsh weather conditions and meets international aviation safety standards. Experts note that while this engine is not the type used in commercial aircraft like those produced by Comac, its development represents a significant step forward in China’s civil aviation technological independence.
Since 2016, China has heavily invested in the development of indigenous aircraft engines, aiming for major breakthroughs by 2030. Despite Comac’s progress in commercial jet development, such as the C919, the country still relies on foreign partnerships, like the joint venture between U.S.-based GE and France’s Safran, for engine supply.
The AES100 thus reinforces China’s efforts to reduce that dependence and strengthen its position in the global aerospace sector.
Source: South China Morning Post | Photo: X @XHNews | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
China’s 1,000 kW-class civil turboshaft engine, the AES100, gets production license https://t.co/pGGoicBLIf pic.twitter.com/6q4qlNNrSm
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) June 5, 2025
