Does China have a new engine to power a next generation fighter aircraft? My understanding is that the WS-15 is just starting to be deployed with J-20s. What is the expectation for when China would have an engine to go along with a new fighter aircraft?
PLA 6th generation fighter thread
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
Initially next generation fighter jet will use WS-15 advance variant ..
Engine for next generation fighter jet is already under development..
I'm also thinking about the distinct possibility (or reality) whereby the developmental works on WS-15 and ACE/VCE for the 6DJ-XX are actually being conducted concurrently and intensively - And has been the case for quite a number of/many years by now.
Our general expectations in this forum at present is that the 6DJ-XX (whether that be tech-demo, prototype, or maybe the LRIP variant too) will be powered by advanced variants of the WS-15, and for later 6DJ-XX units to be powered by ACE/VCEs.
Or perhaps, IF (and this is indeed one big IF) the development progress of China's ACE/VCE is quick enough, smooth enough and excellent enough such that reliable operational capacity of the ACE/VCE can be achieved way faster than we've anticipated, then we might very well see 6DJ-XXs powered by ACE/VCEs from the get-go, i.e. from LRIP onwards - Or even during the prototype stage, if we're lucky.
Though, the latter assumption is more on the highly optimistic side, hence caution on such expectations is advised.
So, what do you guys think?
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Note:
6DJ-XX = Notional designation for China's 6th-gen fighter (my own)
ACE = Adaptive-cycle Engine
VCE = Variable-cycle Engine
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Definitely a possibility.
I do think we have rumours that indicate that development of next gen engines is already quite far ahead, although whether or not it will make it in time for when the 6th gen jet comes out, I don't think we have a strong rumours on that? (also not sure if we got rumours that say it will definitely use WS-15)
It's a very simple rule of thumb: the more recently a new technology enters the development phase, the more capable China's scientific, technological, and industrial infrastructure, and the less pronounced the gap, if any, between it and the US.
Global Times already gave a hint more than a year ago that an adaptive cycle engine (ACE/VCE) is possibly under development in China. So, It is possible that the first prototypes might be powered by WS-15/10 but the serial production may go with it's actual intended engine (ACE/VCE) .
kwaigonegin
Colonel
It would be a freking shame if PLA 6th gen are powered by ws10s even in the prototype stage. The WS10 is a close cousin of the AL31F which was designed and developed in the 1970s!
so you seriously think. even in 2027-28, prototype of 6th generation fighter jet will use WS-10 engines.
6th generation fighter jet will be powered by WS-15 engines initially.
WS-10’s core is based off CFM-56, not Al-31.
he is saying. it would be shame if PLAAF use WS-10 for sixth generation fighter jet even in prototype stages.
WS-10 has become the part of history. PLAAF already moving on next stage. by the time, 6th generation prototype introduce, WS-15 advance variant will be in full scale production.