A Chinese research team, led by Jiang Kaichun at Zhejiang Tsinghua Yangtze Delta Research Institute, is developing a micro turbine engine set to revolutionize drones in 2025. This “strong heart” could extend drone flight times to 20-30 hours, far surpassing lithium battery drones’ 30 minutes to 3 hours. Using green fuels like methanol and hydrogen, it ensures zero-carbon emissions, aligning with low-altitude economy goals. With test flights planned for late 2025 in Jiaxing, this engine powers drones for logistics, monitoring, and more. Explore its impact on low-altitude innovation.
Micro Turbine: A Game-Changer
Current drones rely on lithium batteries with energy densities 30-40 times lower than fuel engines. Jiang’s micro turbine, designed for drones up to 200 kg, achieves 20-30 hour flight times, enabling applications like mountain fruit transport and urban air delivery.
The engine’s compact design delivers “big energy,” enhancing payload and range. Unlike battery drones, it supports continuous operations, critical for logistics and emergency response, making it a cornerstone of China’s low-altitude economy.
Green Fuel for Sustainability
Burning green methanol, ammonia, or hydrogen, the engine achieves zero-carbon emissions, per Zhejiang Tsinghua’s tests. This aligns with 2025 sustainability trends, reducing environmental impact while maintaining high performance.
Compared to traditional fuel engines, it cuts emissions by 100%, supporting China’s carbon neutrality goals. Its efficiency also lowers operational costs, attracting orders from logistics firms.
Applications Beyond Drones
Beyond drones, the engine could power urban air mobility, remote power supply, environmental monitoring, and disaster warning systems. Its versatility positions it as a key enabler for smart cities and rural connectivity by 2030.
Test flights in Jiaxing by December 2025 will validate its potential, with firms already placing orders for commercial deployment.
Conclusion
China’s 2025 micro turbine engine, extending drone flights to 30 hours, transforms low-altitude economies with zero-carbon tech. From logistics to disaster response, it’s a game-changer. Discover how this innovation shapes the future of flight!
