China's light sports aircraft gains core independence with homegrown engine and avionics

"With domestic engines and avionics, we gain greater autonomy and control in our production and development processes," added He, who is also a professor of engineering at Central South University in Changsha.

"The new domestic avionics system ensures the security of our entire supply chain and paves the way for future innovation," Zhou Zhidong, head of the company's Manned Aircraft Research Institute, said.

As a prominent "little giant" in China's general aviation industry, Starair Aircraft has made remarkable progress over the past year, with annual sales and deliveries of its "Aurora" model each surpassing 100 units, according to Xiao Huangxing, general manager of the company's manned aircraft division.