A variable cycle engine comprises a supersonic air
inlet channel and a low-bypass-ratio
turbofan engine, and the rear portion of the supersonic air
inlet channel is connected with an adjustable
axial symmetry air
inlet channel which is composed of an actuating
system and an adjusting piece controlled by an adjusting
machine in a sealing cover and is not connected with the
turbofan engine. During operation after starting, according to the working scene of the engine, an actuating
system and an adjusting
machine are controlled, and the opening degree of an adjusting piece is changed, so that the area of an opening of an adjustable
axial symmetry air inlet channel is increased during
takeoff and subsonic flight, the air inlet
bypass ratio of the engine is increased, and the engine works in a
turbofan state with the maximum
bypass ratio; during climbing, acceleration and supersonic flight, the area of an opening of the adjustable
axial symmetry air inlet channel is reduced, the air inlet
bypass ratio of the engine is reduced, the engine works in a small-bypass-ratio turbofan or near-
turbojet state, the performance of the low-bypass-ratio turbofan engine under different working conditions is improved, high thrust and low
oil consumption are maintained, and the structure of the engine is not changed.