aim 11.5 tons, ws-13e already approaching 10 tons.
Chinese Engine Development
- Thread starter jackbh
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I would like to click on it but I see no link.
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The guy you are quoting can be a dubious source but in this case I frankly don’t see why not. Russia may not be a reliable military supplier due to Ukraine war taking precedence, and based on what we know PAF has had good experience with Chinese engine in the form of WS-10B.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine doesn't seem to have affected fighter aircraft engine production whatsoever. And right now it's not like Russia is building MiG-29 derived aircraft. I doubt there is a lack of availability of RD-33 engine derivatives.
But as noted in the JF-17 thread, via my contacts I heard, the PAF has lots of issues with supply chain related to maintenance for the RD-93.
It is closer to the centralisation than autonomy. The subsidiaries get assigned to an engine program. They may have some spare money to do some research and build competence, but not much to have a program without AECC's approval and finance. Remember most of these SOE's program money is from state budget.
A good example is 中船重工/CSSC (China Shipbuilding Industry) who borrowed money from the open finacial market for early phase of 20MW and 40MW ship driving motor programs. As soon as the state officially injected fund to the programs, CSSC stopped the open fund-raising and reinbursed all money already collected.
The reasons make sense so the rumour is plausible, but lots of sensible and plausible things don't happen in reality. Many more factors are hidden from us observers, which may or may not cause a proposed deal (if any) to fall through.
I wouldn't expect this to happen, but if it does it won't be a surprise either.
If it fit in the slot without airframes modification and the engine is available it could be a thing if they have issues. Is it a direct fit ?
I cannot see a problem for an engine swap after their life cycle ends if most of the swap could happen in a short time to not have two logistic chains to care about.