Consideration for the development of aero-engine altitude simulation test

Aero-engine altitude simulation test facility and test are indispensable strategic resources and means to support the independent development of aero-engines. Based on the 60-year development foundation of domestic aero-engine altitude simulation and the new requirements of building an aviation power in China, the three core challenges faced by the current development of aero-engine altitude simulation were discussed: first, the challenges brought by the high requirements for test capabilities caused by exploration and real combat assessment; second, the challenges brought by the next generation and new aviation propulsion for new demands on test technology; third, the challenges brought by digital transformation to traditional test models. On this basis, the main trends of the future development of aero-engine altitude simulation technology are analyzed and refined: deepening from simple performance verification to comprehensive performance boundary determination, expanding from conventional propulsion testing to the next generation and new aviation propulsion testing; evolving from predominantly physical testing toward integrated virtual-physical testing; shifting focus from applied technology research toward strengthening fundamental theory and forward-looking technology research; and extending the service scope from altitude aircraft propulsion testing to the low-altitude economy and general aviation propulsion testing sectors. The purpose of this article is to share the author’s understanding of the development trend of aero-engine altitude simulation testing, with a view to providing ideas and references for altitude simulation test researchers and better assisting the high-quality and sustainable development of my country’s aero-engines.