China has successfully flight tested the AEP100, a megawatt-class hydrogen turboprop engine, in a 7.5 ton unmanned cargo aircraft. Unlike fuel cell systems, this engine burns liquid hydrogen directly in a turbine cycle to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions during flight. The test flight covered 22.4 miles, marking a step toward China's goal of regional hydrogen aviation by 2035. The project highlights a strategic shift toward direct combustion for heavy-lift cargo to reduce reliance on imported oil and decarbonize the aviation sector.
