3D-printed mini jet engine triumphs

China successfully completed the maiden flight of a domestically developed ultralightweight miniature jet engine, which was entirely manufactured using 3D printing technology.

The achievement marks a breakthrough in advanced propulsion design and manufacturing, according to the engine's developer.

The test flight took place on Tuesday in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,000 meters. It comprehensively demonstrated the operational reliability and stability of the engine under authentic flight conditions, Aero Engine Corporation of China said in a statement on Wednesday night.