China has completed ground tests for a new turbine engine that can operate at speeds up to Mach 4, as it continues its efforts to develop new military aircraft.
The engine was tested by scientists at Taihang National Laboratory, an aerospace research institute. It will include artificial intelligence to adapt the engine’s performance in various conditions.
“The [AI] model can track and estimate engine characteristic parameters and health parameters online in real-time with high accuracy, proving high engineering application value,” said project leader Ji Chunsheng in a peer-reviewed study.
The engine’s supply chain will be entirely localised under Chinese military requirements, according to Ji.
A jet including this engine would be faster than the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest reconnaissance aircraft to date. The Blackbird operated at speeds of Mach 3.2, and was discontinued in 1999.
China began flying two prototypes for a stealth strike fighter jet over Chengdu in December. The Chinese military "is developing new medium- and long-range stealth bombers to strike regional and global targets”, according to a United States Defense Department report that month.
It also showcased two stealth fighters at the Zhuhai air show in November.
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