China's aerospace industry is advancing with the development of the ATP120, a new 1,200-kilowatt turboprop engine by Aero Engine Corp of China and its subsidiary Harbin Dongan Civil Aviation Engine Co. This engine is designed to support the rapid growth of the country's low-altitude economy, particularly in powering cargo drones and general-aviation aircraft.
The ATP120 features a modular design, long service life, and environmental adaptability, enabling operation in high-altitude regions. It promises to reduce operating and maintenance costs while supporting hybrid and hydrogen-fueled systems. China aims to replace reliance on imported engines with domestically produced options, addressing a gap in the market for large cargo drone propulsion.
Chen Yuying, the chief designer at Harbin Dongan, highlighted that the engine is targeted at large cargo drones capable of supporting aircraft with up to 8 metric tons maximum takeoff weight per engine, with configurations supporting a 16-ton payload. Several private enterprises in China have already signed agreements to adopt the ATP120 for their unmanned cargo aircraft, with some set for maiden flights next year.
Industry experts like Yin Zeyong predict that by 2045, China will have around 13,000 general-aviation aircraft, creating a significant demand for nearly 10,000 engines. The development of domestically produced high-power engines like the ATP120 is considered a crucial step towards strengthening China’s position in the global civil aviation market and supporting the expanding low-altitude economy.
