China's first homegrown advanced civil aircraft engine unveiled at Zhuhai Airshow

The Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) officially launched China's first self-developed advanced civil turboshaft engine AES100 during the ongoing 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in the southern coastal city of Zhuhai on Wednesday.

The AES100 engine is mainly employed in civil helicopters and has gained its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

The take-off power of the turboshaft engine AES100 turboshaft engine is no less than 1,000kW, and it can be equipped with a 5-6 tonne twin-engine helicopter or a 3-tonne single-engine helicopter, according to its developer AECC.

The AECC said the engine has the advantages of high efficiency, low fuel consumption, long lifespan, high reliability, and meets the needs of a wide range of fields.

Featuring advanced design, technologies, and a management system, the AES100 engine can operate safely and steadily under complex conditions including freezing weather, heavy rain, and a strong electromagnetic environment. Helicopters powered by this engine can perform a variety of tasks, including patrol, rescue, sightseeing, as the engine is highly adaptable and can be used in diverse scenarios, said Li Gaiqi, chief designer of AES100.

Moreover, the ASE100 engine can be upgraded into turboprop engine, turbofan engine, and ground-based lightweight gas turbine to power small and medium-sized turboprop aircraft, jet business aircraft, and ground-based mobile power stations.

In addition to AES100, a total of 10 general aviation power products were also showcased by AECC at the launching event during the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition.

The highly-anticipated biennial aerospace trade event, also known as Airshow China, will run through Sunday. It has attracted 1,022 companies from 47 countries and regions to showcase their star aviation and aerospace products, including a record number of products being debuted to the public at the event.

China's first homegrown advanced civil aircraft engine unveiled at Zhuhai Airshow

The Sixth "Racing to Space" Aerospace City Half Marathon was held in Beijing's Aerospace City on Saturday with more than 1,000 participants, most of whom are aerospace professionals and their family members, competing in the race.

The sporting event features competitions for 5K, 10K, and 21K.

"This time I accompanied my husband. He is also an aerospace professional, supporting our country's aerospace industry on the front line all along. Both of us participated in this 5-kilometer race and are very happy to win the finisher's medal," said Wang Siqi, a runner.

"I have been participating in the 5km race since the first edition of the Aerospace City marathon. My performance improved every time. I'm very happy," said Chen Xiaohang, another runner.

The "space-themed" half marathon coincides with China's recent launch of the Shenzhou-23 spaceship and the safe return of the Shenzhou-21 space crew, aiming to encourage the aerospace professionals to take up sports events more actively.

Sixth Aerospace City half marathon held in Beijing