China's new adaptive-cycle jet engine delivers unprecedented thrust, efficiency

Chinese researchers at the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics have developed and tested a new adaptive cycle engine (ACE), a next-generation jet engine capable of dynamically adjusting its airflow and combustion processes to optimize performance across a wide range of speeds—from takeoff to Mach 4. This engine reportedly delivers 27–47% more thrust than comparable current engines while reducing fuel consumption by about one-third. Unlike traditional turbofan or turbojet engines, which are optimized for either low-speed efficiency or high-speed power but not both, the ACE can switch between modes, effectively acting as both a turbofan and a turbojet depending on flight conditions. This adaptability eliminates the usual trade-off between thrust and fuel efficiency. The Chinese ACE introduces a novel three-stream bypass system, adding a third cooler air stream alongside the two used in U.S. ACE designs like GE’s XA100. This design enhances thermal management, potentially protecting sensitive electronics and stealth coatings by absorbing excess heat and lowering exhaust temperatures to reduce infrared signatures. It also may