Photo: Screenshot from the website of the Science and Technology Daily

A Chinese domestically developed 1,200-kilowatt-class turboprop engine successfully completed its ignition test by achieving stable ground operation at minus 30 C in Harbin, Northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Thursday, the Science and Technology Daily reported. 

The test marked the ATP120A turboprop engine project’s full entry into the testing and verification phase. The turboprop engine was independently developed by the Harbin Dongan Civil Aviation Engine Co, a subsidiary of Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC). 

The turboprop engine ATP120A was the company’s first homegrown turboprop engine, designed for low costs, with long service life, low fuel consumption and high reliability.

The engine is suitable for general aviation aircraft and drones, with potential for hybrid and hydrogen propulsion, and overall performance reaching a leading level in China. 

Notably, the engine has strong environmental adaptability and outstanding high-altitude performance. It can start operating at altitudes covering existing high-altitude plateau airports, enabling aircraft equipped with the engine to operate reliably in extreme environments such as high-altitude and cold regions, as well as island environments with high salt spray. 

Global Times