China Enters the Rotary Engine Club with Domestically Developed Wankel Motor

China has taken a decisive step in high-tech engineering by successfully launching its first domestically developed Wankel rotary engine, a technology long awaited by the automotive and aerospace industries. The project moved from concept to working prototype in record time and already targets real-world applications, according to Auto Motor und Sport.

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Rotor engine

China's Wankel Engine: What Has Been Developed

State-owned Harbin Dongan Auto Engine, part of the Changan Automobile group, completed the first successful start-up of the R05E rotary engine on December 19 at the Dongan Power Range Extender research center. The company plans to begin mass production in 2027, a realistic timeline given the complexity of rotary engine technology.

The development began in April and took just eight months. International engineering firm AVL supported the project by handling calculations, simulations, and validation of key components. For China's industrial sector, the R05E stands out as a rare example of a rapid transition from concept to functioning prototype.

Technical Characteristics of the R05E

The engine follows the classic Wankel layout with a triangular rotor and curved side surfaces. Engineers equipped it with an independent dual-ignition system, a lightweight eccentric shaft, and an integrated compensation mechanism. An internal water-cooling jacket ensures thermal stability under load.

At a nominal speed of 6,500 rpm, the engine delivers 53 kW, achieving a specific output of around 1.2 kW per kilogram. The aluminum cast housing reduces weight, while a nano-diamond composite NDC coating lowers friction. Designers paid particular attention to the combustion chamber layout and rotor sealing-areas that traditionally pose the greatest challenges for rotary engines.

Applications and Strategic Importance

Dongan originally designed the R05E for low-altitude aviation, including unmanned aerial vehicles, piloted aircraft, and eVTOL platforms. Its compact dimensions, low vibration levels, and quiet operation make it well suited for next-generation air mobility. The company also considers the engine as a range extender for battery-electric vehicles, where it can increase driving range without significantly adding mass.

Looking ahead, Dongan plans to develop a twin-rotor version producing more than 110 kW. This upgrade would broaden its use cases, from heavier aircraft to commercial transport. The project aligns with China's broader industrial strategy to reduce reliance on imported technologies and accelerate the adoption of hybrid powertrains and electrification. Founded in 1948, Dongan already collaborates with Xpeng Aeroht, Huawei, and DJI on propulsion systems for various classes of drones.