A lot of things have happened since 2018!
Chinese Engine Development
- Thread starter jackbh
- Start date
Does anyone have a clue why China is reluctant to showcase their engine developments in the different areas of use? I get that engines still in development are shrouded in secrecy, but the various tanks, APC's and IFV's powerpacks are still very obscure. Never mind the various aero-engines, from the WS-10 to the various turbine engines used in UAV's that we still don't have hard facts and numbers on. Or perhaps I'm just ignorant about this all and there is plentiful info on Chinese engines?
Does anyone have a clue why China is reluctant to showcase their engine developments in the different areas of use? I get that engines still in development are shrouded in secrecy, but the various tanks, APC's and IFV's powerpacks are still very obscure. Never mind the various aero-engines, from the WS-10 to the various turbine engines used in UAV's that we still don't have hard facts and numbers on. Or perhaps I'm just ignorant about this all and there is plentiful info on Chinese engines?
Is there any detailed info on M1A2's engine? What about the Mi-28's rotors? These are about are rare as details on the PWR in the Nimitz class. Sure there are sometimes wikis and brochures with basic spec figures and definitely there are more photos online but that's also true for Chinese engines. Brochure and airshow spec sheets and some basic photos do exist just not as plainly accessible for English speaking researchers.
At least we got an official name for the Abrams engine and there are also a lot of pictures and specs out there about the engine, with charts and schematics. Cannot say the same about modern Chinese tank engines, AFAIK. Not even about the engines on the export models.
The wiki articles on Chinese engines do often not link to sources stating specs about the engines or outright link to pages not talking about the engines at all. We have very little info about them.
And please do not false equivocate engines with other parts.
Yes that's basically exactly what I've written. The available information ranges from having names and some photos and basic specs to knowing nothing outside of the thing exists. Like the Type 99A engine for example. We know from "leaks" and rumours that it's probably running a 1500hp engine that derives from a family of engines based on MTU technology. That's all. So in reply to your original question, it's a stupid one. There is no false equivocation because you misunderstood what my point was.
I'll say it again in more direct terms. China does things differently to the US who does things differently to India. No one is more right or wrong. They just choose their way. China doesn't give any details at all. US gives some details in some places. India gives details before they even develop a prototype. None are more right or wrong they are just different in their approach.
So kudos for getting a name for Abrams engine for your personal database or whatever your aim is. We don't know anything about Chinese engines and that's the way the Chinese prefer for a multitude of reasons. The main reason? Because they don't need to provide you or anyone with those details. Why waste time publishing and showing off details when it serves them zero benefit and will only work against them?
Strategic revelations of details are done to make a subtle statement or show capability in a warning. For example, if the US were to entertain the idea of initial nuclear strike on China, it pays to show the Americans that China can respond. This avoids a mutually costly accidental engagement. Similar with hypersonic weapons (well the Americans already knew for about a decade since they've been observing Chinese tests). Same with the AShBM that some hawks doubted could hit sea targets let alone moving targets. Guess what it did both just to show the capability existed and was ready decade ago when they said they were ready. This hopefully prevents adventurism.
Other revelations are done because they either just can't be avoided or they are of minute strategic importance. Sometimes they are done to rile up nationalism but that's very rare often a by-product. I mean you can't exactly hide a carrier being constructed.
Many details do exist but you have to search in Chinese language forums or Chinese language website. There is no reason for Chinese companies whose primary customer is Chinese themselves, to publish English language brochures or information regarding powerplants.
Many pics and videos can be obtained also from Chinese state tv channels that feature these machines and weapons systems. Many posts in this forum are screen grabs.
Don't expect things to be served on a platter. Ask, search for yourself and maybe even learn Mandarin if you are that interested.
Not interested to learn a new language, thanks.
Could you tell me the official name(s) of the engine(s) used in the type 99 tanks? And of the various APC's and IFV's? Can you tell me their displacement, power and torque output?
Thank you in advance.
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150HB series 16.9 litre V12 engine manufactured by Huabei Group. Base model rated for 1200 hp but there is also an improved 1500 hp variant, both engines are for Type 99(A). Rated for 2200 rpm, maximum 2450 rpm, so if we apply the appropriate calculations, the engine should produce around 4800 N.m of torque. Bore diameter 142mm, stroke length 130mm. Total weight of powerplant is around 2100 kg.
I used a very basic source, maybe these numbers are true, maybe not. If you'd like to verify them, you will have to learn Chinese. Or at the least, learn to navigate Chinese sites and forums using translation tools. This will help you a lot when it comes to PLA watching.
Let's get back on topic. Unlike AFV powerplants, aircraft engines are a closely guarded secret.
