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Aero Engine of Corp. of China Develops Low-Cost Turboprop Engine for Light Aircraft and Drones

November 28, 2025

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Aero Engine of Corp. of China is developing a small turboprop engine called AEP20.
The engine produces about 320 shaft horsepower.
AEP20 is scheduled to fly for the first time at the end of 2026.
The engine is aimed at both manned utility aircraft and medium to large unmanned cargo drones.
AEP20 weighs one-third as much as a comparable gasoline piston engine and is designed to last about twice as long.

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Strategic Implications

The development of the AEP20 may indicate a growing trend towards more affordable turboprop engines in the Chinese market. The engine's lower weight and longer lifespan could also benefit operators in the regional logistics and cargo drone sectors, where fuel efficiency and reliability are critical. However, the $170,000 price point may still be a barrier to adoption for some customers.

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What Happened

Chinese Company Unveils Affordable Alternative to High-Performance Piston Engines

Aero Engine of Corp. of China is developing a small turboprop engine called AEP20, which is aimed at both manned utility aircraft and medium to large unmanned cargo drones. The engine produces about 320 shaft horsepower and weighs one-third as much as a comparable gasoline piston engine. AEP20 is scheduled to fly for the first time at the end of 2026. The company has secured an intent order from Yitong UAV System for several hundred AEP20 engines, which could help drive adoption of the engine. The AEP20 is expected to sell for about $170,000, roughly twice the price of a typical high-performance piston engine but well below the cost of Western turboprops in the same power class. This is according to AeroTime.

Source

Companies Mentioned

Topics

Turboprop Engine Low-Cost Engine Regional Logistics Cargo Drone China Aerospace

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Technology & Systems

Aero Engine of Corp. of China Develops Low-Cost Turboprop Engine for Light Aircraft and Drones

November 28, 2025

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Aero Engine of Corp. of China is developing a small turboprop engine called AEP20.
The engine produces about 320 shaft horsepower.
AEP20 is scheduled to fly for the first time at the end of 2026.
The engine is aimed at both manned utility aircraft and medium to large unmanned cargo drones.
AEP20 weighs one-third as much as a comparable gasoline piston engine and is designed to last about twice as long.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Upgrade

Strategic Implications

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Upgrade

What Happened

Chinese Company Unveils Affordable Alternative to High-Performance Piston Engines

Source

Companies Mentioned

Aero Engine of Corp. of China Yitong UAV System Bombardier Western ICEYE Planet Rheinmetall BAE Systems

Topics

Turboprop Engine Low-Cost Engine Regional Logistics Cargo Drone China Aerospace