Chinese Engine Development
- Thread starter jackbh
- Start date
Hyperwarp
Captain
Agreed, especially the claim that the J-20 is currently powered by WS-10B
. But the idea of a serious accident during WS-15 testing won't surprise me. Building such a complex, powerful engine, pushing the limits, going over 155 kN is bound to have serious hiccups.I feel like something that major would have made some waves with big shrimp though. But who knows.Agreed, especially the claim that the J-20 is currently powered by WS-10B
Agreed, especially the claim that the J-20 is currently powered by WS-10B
Its very possible that something like that happened. Aircraft engines are very complicated and niche tech. In addition, the fact that we (at least me) havent heard from the WS-15 recently only adds to the suspition that something could have happened.
First of all, blade quality problem is very unlikely to happen now, considering China now uses superalloy blades in commercial engines, and the cracks are easily checked with x-ray. WS-15 is by far the most important project, and it is not without sufficient investments. So there is no need to risk just to save some money.
Secondly, given the level of secrecy surrounding J-20 I doubt anyone can get this much details on the WS-15 project, especially from more than one sources. They can write and sell this story just because everyone wants to know about WS-15 but no one can supply any news.
So even though any accidents can happen, we are unlikely to know about WS-15 details. Maybe certain country's intelligence community may know some, but they are unlikely to disclose that to the public either.
Secondly, given the level of secrecy surrounding J-20 I doubt anyone can get this much details on the WS-15 project, especially from more than one sources. They can write and sell this story just because everyone wants to know about WS-15 but no one can supply any news.
So even though any accidents can happen, we are unlikely to know about WS-15 details. Maybe certain country's intelligence community may know some, but they are unlikely to disclose that to the public either.
Last edited:
Those are Al-31 engines.
No, no ... that's already from day one a fully operational WS-15 delivering a maximum thrust of more than +210 kN .... if you believe in some special guys at the PDF.
