First Chinese 3D-printed Turbojet Engine Completes Maiden Flight Test

In Brief

• China’s first indigenous 3D-printed turbojet engine has completed a successful maiden flight test.
• The lightweight engine demonstrated stable performance, reliability, compatibility with the aircraft.
• The achievement marks a key step in advancing China’s 3D-printing capabilities and in aviation innovation.

Shedrach Kongvong 2025-11-15

China’s first locally made 3D-printed turbojet engine has successfully completed its first flight test. The ultra-lightweight engine was used to power a target drone for a 30-minute flight, reaching an altitude of 6,000 meters and a speed of Mach 0.75.

According to a local news outlet, the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) said the single flight-engine operated normally and stably throughout the flight.

The engine had completed an initial captive-carry flight test in July this year, and this is another major milestone for it.

3D-printed Engine Shows Great Promise

Following the successful competition of the single-engine flight test, the 3D-printed lightweight engine has demonstrated its reliability at higher altitudes and compatibility with the aircraft.

The test also showed promising application prospects for the engine in other areas in aviation and even beyond.

As China’s first 3D-printed, ultra-lightweight miniature turbojet engine in the 160-kilogram thrust class to complete a flight test, it sets the tone for more bold designs in the future.

The test also lays the foundation for future tests with higher altitudes and greater speed and will shorten the development cycle for future engines to accelerate China’s progress in making aviation propulsion systems.

China Getting Ahead with 3D Technology

China has made significant progress in technology in general and particularly in 3D technology recently.

Earlier this year, scientists made 3D-printed moon buildings using lunar soil, right on the moon. This is a feat that only China has accomplished.

With the successful completion of a single-engine flight test for this 3D-printed engine, the country is taking its 3D technology to a whole new level and is set to lead the world in it.