Domestic Aero-Engine Technology Advances Again: Electric-Powered Flight, Fuel-Generated Energy
14 hour ago / Read about 0 minute
Author:小编   

For an extended period, the power sources for drones have been categorized into two main types: fuel-powered and purely electric-powered. The former provides robust power and long-lasting endurance but tends to be noisy. Conversely, the latter operates quietly and stealthily, yet its endurance is limited. On December 10, 2025, the domestically developed 60-kilowatt hybrid electric propulsion system successfully completed its integrated flight-engine testing. This system adopts an extended-range architecture known as "electric-powered flight and fuel-generated energy": a gas turbine drives a generator to charge the battery, while an electric ducted fan provides thrust. This innovative system merges the benefits of fuel's long endurance with electricity's quiet operation, generating power mid-flight to extend range and eliminate the need for charging downtime. Additionally, it can switch to a purely electric mode during flight to minimize noise. Presently, the system has undergone flight demonstrations and validations, indicating that hybrid technology for small drones is gradually reaching maturity.