Beijing institute turns to powering rotorcraft

The Beijing Power Machinery Institute, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp, is known for its engine products that propel the nation's cruise missiles. And now, engineers at the institute have used their expertise to build propulsion systems for rotorcraft and drones.

"We have developed multiple types of piston engines that can be used on small fixed-wing drones, medium-altitude unmanned rotorcraft and general aviation aircraft such as civilian utility helicopters," Wang Yanwen, marketing director at the institute, part of the CASIC Third Academy, said in Tianjin on Friday.

"Our designers and engineers are good at making high-performance engines for cruise missiles, so they have abundant knowledge and the skills needed for the research and development of piston engines used on small helicopters and unmanned planes. All of our piston engines are characterized by full, independent intellectual property rights, long-tested technologies, world-class capabilities and good reliability," said Wang, who is also project manager for piston engines at the institute.