AECC Introduces Groundbreaking AEP20 Turboprop to Disrupt Piston Engine Market
The Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) is at the forefront of innovation with the development of the AEP20 turboprop engine. This revolutionary engine, designed to be a cost-effective 320-horsepower alternative to traditional piston engines, is set to transform light aircraft and drone applications. The engine’s development is taking place at AECC’s esteemed Hunan Aviation Powerplant Research Institute in Zhuzhou.
With its first flight test scheduled for late 2026, the AEP20 is not just targeting manned utility aircraft but also medium to large unmanned cargo drones. The project’s manager, Xie Li, revealed at the AERO Asia 2025 exhibition in Zhuhai, that there has been significant early interest from multiple domestic manufacturers. The exhibition took place from November 27-30.
This development is a testament to China’s rapidly expanding low-altitude economy and the increasing demand for short-haul air transport and automated logistics. AECC is confident that the AEP20 can outperform high-performance piston engines in terms of both performance and reliability, while still maintaining competitive operating costs in this emerging market segment.
Source: AeroTime