China Aviation News You Might Not Have Heard Of
Some interesting developments coming out of China AOPA + news from eVTOL/low-altitude economy players.
China’s AES100 Turboshaft Engine Receives Certification from Chinese Regulators
September 6: China’s self-developed AES100 aircraft engine, produced by Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC), has received a type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in Beijing.
Designed for twin-engine helicopters in the 5-6 ton range and single-engine helicopters in the 3-4 ton range, the AES100 is China’s first civil turboshaft engine developed to international airworthiness standards with fully independent intellectual property rights. The engine delivers 1100 kilowatts of power, has a fuel consumption rate of 0.276 kg per kWh, and features a 3000-hour overhaul interval.
According to the AECC, helicopters equipped with this engine can perform a variety of tasks below 6000 meters altitude, including patrol, rescue, sightseeing, and business flights. Future modifications and variants of the AES100 may include a 900-kilowatt-class turboshaft engine, a 1000-kilogram-thrust turbofan engine, and a 1000-kilowatt-class lightweight ground gas turbine. These could be used in small and medium-sized turboprop aircraft, business jets, and mobile ground power stations.
Wanfeng Diamond Aircraft Delivers DA40NG Planes to India; Austrian Chancellor Visits to Boost High-Tech Development
September 5: China's Wanfeng Diamond Aircraft has announced the successful delivery of a batch of DA40NG aircraft to Pioneer Flying Academy in New Delhi, India, marking the first international export of its domestically produced planes.
In separate news, Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer visited Wanfeng Diamond in August. According to the company’s social media, the Austrian Diamond Aircraft Company, owned by Wanfeng, will become a high-tech R&D center. The Austrian government plans to introduce policies, such as talent acquisition and tax relief, to support companies like Wanfeng Austrian Diamond in boosting Austria's economy and development.
