Chinese Engine Development
- Thread starter jackbh
- Start date
Sorry to say so, but some simply still not know or do not want to understand: an AL-31F used by a Flanker cannot be interchanged with an AL-31FN used in a J-10 due to the different location of the gear-box !
As such there is simply no change or swapping - or like You say: "recycling" - of engines between J-11 and J-10 fighters!
Deino
You are absolutely right but we keep forgetting China has AL-31F refurbishing plant that has been involved in modification and improvision as such how difficult is it for her to switch the location of its gearbox from top to bottom if she wishes to.
That is unless you are telling me the AL-31FN variant is dedicate and completely different from AL-31F.
A littel more sophiscated perhaps but to me, it is not much different from a right-handed driven car to a left handed driven car.
To admit I don't know for sure, but from all I know, it is not possible - at least not done - to build an AL-31FN from a used AL-31F formerly used in a J-11. Both engines are too much different and the FN was especially designed to CAC specifications to fit the J-10.,
AL-31F for J-11A
AL-31FN for J-10
For this I would love to see a source ! ... it contradicts all I know so far.
No, the J-10 was - besides a converted MiG-27-testbed - the only single engine fighter to use the AL-31 ... and the FN is only used in China. No other types uses this custom-designed type.
Deino
Since no other Russian warplane is designed for the AL31FN, it is ludicrious to think that Russia will specially designed another engine just for China J-10A indigenous fighter.
Therefore the only logical step forward for Salyut is to modify an off-the-shelf product an AL31F with a switchable gearbox for the purpose based on China's own modification and improvision to their stock AL31F engine.
Therefore the only logical step forward for Salyut is to modify an off-the-shelf product an AL31F with a switchable gearbox for the purpose based on China's own modification and improvision to their stock AL31F engine.
Sorry, but what sounds fine in theory is simply not in return correct.
I have to admit that I have no official source, but from all we know, Saturn was asked to develop especially for the J-10 a new version .... As such the FN was especially designed as a J-10-tailored version for CAC. In the same way You can't fit a GE F110 used in the F-14B to a F-15 or F-15S it's also here: You can't fit a FN into a Flanker or a F into a J-10.
The fact alone that China is able to overhaul its engines independently and reassemble them does not mean they switch or even that it is possible to rebuild a F as an FN and vice versa.
By the way it's indeed the first time I've heard this ... and I've already heard a lot ...
I have to admit that I have no official source, but from all we know, Saturn was asked to develop especially for the J-10 a new version .... As such the FN was especially designed as a J-10-tailored version for CAC. In the same way You can't fit a GE F110 used in the F-14B to a F-15 or F-15S it's also here: You can't fit a FN into a Flanker or a F into a J-10.
The fact alone that China is able to overhaul its engines independently and reassemble them does not mean they switch or even that it is possible to rebuild a F as an FN and vice versa.
By the way it's indeed the first time I've heard this ... and I've already heard a lot ...