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

Several dozen people are feared dead and around 100 injured Thursday after an explosion at a bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais Canton of southwestern Switzerland, local police said.

Those injured in the blast and subsequent fire suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospitals in Sion, capital of Valais canton, as well as in other cities, Valais Canton Police Chief Frederic Gisler said at a press conference.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion, but authorities have ruled out an attack.

Helicopters and ambulances, including some from abroad, rushed to the scene, as the intensive care units and operating rooms of local hospitals are at full capacity, said local officials at the press conference.

Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, has arrived at the scene of the accident.

Dozens dead, 100 injured after explosion in Swiss ski resort Crans-Montana: police