Imagine a compact, lightweight, and nearly silent engine powering drones and VTOL aircraft in the crowded skies of future cities. China is making this happen with a modern version of the legendary Wankel engine, developed by Harbin Dongan, a subsidiary of the giant Changan Automobile. Prototype single-rotor production begins in 2027, while the twin-rotor is already taking shape.
This revival of the rotary engine is not for street cars but for low-altitude aviation, a booming sector in China with major partnerships like Xpeng, Huawei, and DJI. Featuring nanodiamond coating for extreme durability and a cast aluminum housing, this engine promises to revolutionize urban air mobility.
Impressive Technical Specifications for Aerial Applications
The single-rotor prototype delivers 53 kW (71 horsepower) at up to 6,500 rpm—modest numbers for cars but ideal for drones and VTOLs, where weight and vibration management are more critical than raw power. Its superior power-to-weight ratio, compact design, and smooth, low-vibration operation make it perfect for low-altitude flights, including naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants for medium- and high-altitude UAVs.
The twin-rotor version, in an advanced phase, doubles the power to 110 kW (148 hp), expanding applications to larger aircraft. Technologies such as the nanodiamond composite non-friction coating reduce friction, enhancing efficiency and lifespan in harsh aerial conditions. Partners like ARIDGE (Xpeng’s flying car division) are testing these engines in real prototypes, signaling imminent mass production.
- Key advantages: Compact (ideal for drone integration), high rpm with minimal vibration, low noise suitable for urban environments.
- Innovations: Advanced coatings for thermal resistance and zero wear over long flights.
- Expansion: Plans for medium- and high-power engines, turbocharged and naturally aspirated, covering the entire spectrum of Chinese UAVs.
Meanwhile, China is accelerating its investments in eVTOLs, with cities like Shenzhen testing flying taxis. This aerial Wankel engine could serve as the thermal core that complements electric batteries, overcoming range limitations in commercial flights. To better understand innovations in high-performance Chinese engines, it’s worth exploring advancements like those from QJ Motor.
| Version | Power | Max RPM | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Rotor | 53 kW (71 hp) | 6,500 | Low-altitude drones, light VTOLs |
| Twin-Rotor | 110 kW (148 hp) | ~6,500 (estimated) | Medium UAVs, larger eVTOLs |
These specifications do not compete with jets but excel in niches where pure electric systems fall short: endurance and mechanical simplicity. Harbin Dongan, with aerospace engine expertise, lends credibility—they already produce engines for Chinese military aviation.
Mazda and the Wankel Legacy: Why China Takes the Lead?
Felix Wankel developed the engine in Germany, but Mazda made it an icon with models like RX-7 and RX-8. Emissions issues under Euro 5 regulations led to its phase-out in 2012, but Mazda revived the rotary in 2023 with the MX-30 R-EV, a 74 hp (830 cc) range extender. An efficient single-rotor designed to recharge batteries, demonstrating hybrid viability.
Now, Mazda’s Vision-X Coupe captivates with a turbo rotary plus electric combo totaling 503 hp—but it remains a concept. While Mazda focuses on road hybrids, China targets the skies, exploring rotary advantages often overlooked in cars: lightweight construction for flight. If you appreciate how Mazda optimizes engines in cars like the Miata, imagine this technology in the air.
“The rotary engine didn’t die; it just shifted tracks. From streets to skies, China demonstrates its aerial potential.”
Partnerships with Huawei (electronics) and DJI (world leader in drones) accelerate certifications. Production starting in 2027 positions Changan as a pioneer in hybrid aerial powertrains. For enthusiasts of modern Mazda, this Chinese-Japanese contrast is fascinating—one side grounded, the other airborne.
Other advancements in lightweight engines, like the coil pack ignition coils, are echoed here, optimizing combustion for aerial efficiency. With Chinese VTOLs in urban testing, expect drone fleets powered by Wankel engines in 2030.
The Chinese aerial revolution continues: turbocharged engines for high-altitude UAVs are already in development. Mazda may make a strong comeback, but Harbin Dongan currently leads the Wankel revival in areas where it matters most—connecting the skies. Stay tuned as this innovation redefines mobility beyond land electric vehicles.
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