China's New Wankel Engine Ignites: Will It Power the Future of eVTOL Aviation?
Key Points
- 1Harbin Dongan Auto Engine successfully completed the first start-up of the R05E Wankel rotary engine on December 19, 2025.
- 2The 53 kW (72 hp) engine was developed in just eight months with support from international firm AVL, targeting mass production by 2027.
- 3The R05E is designed for low-altitude aviation, including UAVs and eVTOLs, and serves as a range extender for electric vehicles.
- 4The project supports China's strategic focus on its 'low-altitude economy,' a market projected to reach $490 billion by 2035.
China has achieved a significant engineering milestone. State-owned Harbin Dongan Auto Engine successfully started its first domestically developed Wankel rotary engine. This R05E prototype ignition occurred on December 19. The company is a subsidiary of the Changan Automobile group. This breakthrough aligns with China's broader industrial strategy to reduce reliance on foreign technology. It also accelerates the adoption of hybrid powertrains and electrification in the aerospace sector.
Rapid Development and Key Partnerships
The R05E project moved from concept to a working prototype in just eight months. Development officially began in April, marking a rapid transition for complex engine technology. International engineering firm AVL provided crucial support. AVL assisted with calculations, simulations, and key component validation. Harbin Dongan Auto Engine plans to begin mass production in 2027. This timeline is considered realistic given the engineering challenges of rotary engine design.
Technical Characteristics of the R05E
The R05E is a single-rotor engine following the classic Wankel layout. It features a curved-edge triangular rotor and a lightweight eccentric shaft. Engineers equipped the unit with an independent dual-ignition system. An internal water-cooling jacket ensures thermal stability under heavy load.
Key performance specifications include:
- The engine delivers 53 kW (72 hp) of power.
- This output is achieved at a nominal speed of 6,500 rpm.
- The engine boasts a specific output of around 1.2 kW per kilogram.
Designers focused on reducing friction and weight. A cast aluminum housing reduces the overall engine mass. A nano-diamond composite (NDC) coating lowers friction on internal parts. Attention was specifically paid to rotor sealing, a traditional challenge for Wankel engines.
Impact on Next-Generation Air Mobility
The Harbin Dongan R05E was primarily designed for low-altitude aviation. Target applications include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), piloted aircraft, and eVTOL propulsion system platforms. Its compact size, high power density, and low vibration levels make it ideal for next-generation air mobility. This technology is critical for China's "low-altitude economy," a sector projected to be worth approximately $490 billion by 2035.
The engine also serves as a UAV range extender for battery-electric vehicles. This function increases the driving range without adding significant mass. Dongan already collaborates with major technology firms, including DJI and Xpeng Aeroht (now ARIDGE).
Looking ahead, Dongan plans to develop a more powerful twin-rotor version. This upgrade will produce more than 110 kW. This twin-rotor unit would broaden the use cases to heavier aircraft and commercial transport. This development marks a key step in commercial aviation news and the evolution of hybrid-electric flight. [flying.flights]
The R05E represents a significant opportunity for the global eVTOL market. Its high power-to-weight ratio addresses a core limitation of purely battery-electric aircraft, offering a hybrid solution for longer-range missions.
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