China Tests First 3D-Printed Turbojet Engine

SINGAPORE—China conducted the first flight of a domestically developed 3D-printed turbojet engine in November 2025, marking a milestone toward mass-producing lower-cost jet engines for applications such as uncrewed aircraft and missiles.

Developed by the Hunan Aviation Powerplant Research Institute, a subsidiary of Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC), the 160-kg (353-lb.) engine was installed on the Liuxing-260 technology demonstrator drone. State media Xinhua reported that the 3.3-m (10.8-ft.)-long aircraft flew for 30 min., reaching an altitude of 6,000 m (19,700 ft.) and a top speed of Mach 0.75, meeting its design objectives.

According to AECC, around 60% of the engine’s weight was produced using additive manufacturing techniques. By exploiting the ability of 3D printing to fabricate complex geometries, engineers reduced the total number of engine parts by approximately 60%, a move aimed at lowering production costs and increasing system reliability.

Mi Dong, the program director, told state broadcaster CCTV that the successful integration of the engine with the Liuxing-260 demonstrated its readiness for use in operational systems. He said the powerplant offers a new propulsion option for uncrewed aircraft systems and cruise missiles.

Mi added that the next phase will involve testing the engine across a wider range of platforms and operating environments, with the goal of advancing the design toward commercialization.