China's homegrown 1,200 kW turboprop engine passes ignition test

China has successfully completed the ignition test of its domestically developed 1,200-kilowatt-class turboprop engine, the ATP120A, in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. Developed by Harbin Dongan Civil Aviation Engine Co, a subsidiary of the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC), this milestone marks a significant step toward China’s goal of aviation self-reliance. The engine demonstrated stable ground operation at -30°C and is designed for low fuel consumption, extended service life, and reduced costs. It is adaptable to extreme environments, including high-altitude cold regions and hot, humid island climates, with potential applications in general aviation, drones, and emerging propulsion technologies like hydrogen and hybrid systems. This development aligns with China’s broader ambitions to reduce dependence on foreign aerospace technology, particularly in commercial aviation. While China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has made strides with aircraft like the ARJ21 and C919—both currently powered by foreign engines—ind