[Jane's Defence: China Tests New 600-Kilogram-Force Jet Engine for Drones]
According to a report published on May 29, 2026, by Jane's Defence Weekly (Janes), the Aviation Engine Corporation of China (AECC) announced that its domestically developed new high-bypass-ratio turbofan engine with a thrust of 600 kilograms-force (1,322.77 lbf) has successfully completed its maiden flight test.
The domestically produced engine, designated F406, underwent dual-engine flight testing on May 23 aboard a modified "Baofeng-4" (Storm-4) drone. According to AECC, during the flight tests conducted in Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia, both F406 prototype engines operated stably, and the drone landed safely after completing all scheduled flight maneuvers.
The Baofeng-4 drone features a twin-body design, with the central wing serving as a shared reinforced structure for both fuselages. On May 24, state media CCTV broadcast footage showing the aircraft’s takeoff and landing process, with the two F406 prototypes mounted beneath the common central wing.
AECC stated that the F406 was developed by Tianfu Light Power, a subsidiary of AECC (also known as Sichuan Tianfu Light Propulsion Technology Co., Ltd.). The engine is designed for a service ceiling of up to 15,000 meters (49,213 feet) and a maximum flight speed of Mach 0.8. In the future, this engine will be applicable to various platforms, including high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) reconnaissance drones, meteorological drones, relay communication drones, and unmanned cargo aircraft.
The F406 project was launched in early 2024 and completed ground ignition tests in December 2024. Originally scheduled for its first flight in June 2025, the maiden flight was delayed by nearly a year due to delays in ground testing and certification processes, ultimately being achieved only in December 2025.
AECC noted that the F406 is compatible with drone platforms ranging from 1.5 to 4 tons in takeoff weight. The Baofeng-4 drone used in this test flight has a takeoff weight of approximately 1.2 tons.
Disclaimer: All equipment data cited above are sourced from reports on Jane's Defence Weekly website.
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Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866531188492441/
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