As per Yankee’s podcast PLAN would like to keep using AL-31 for future J-15 variants (with the exception of J-15S) but WS-10H is available if Russia is unable to deliver for some reason.
J-15 carrier fighter thread
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
I don't think it's quite possible/feasible to upgrade the basic J-15/15S to full J-15B standard.
On top of that, producing new planes to start expensive, MLU-level upgrades on them just a couple of years later is a case of bad planning/laundering. Not too likely that's the case.
Kinda dissapointed, but why? WS-10H is still not reliable enough for J-15s at this point?
Wait, I thought that they were equipping the newer J-15s with WS-10s? Are they backtracking on the decision now? Hope they at least get the AL-41-F1S version if that is the case.
Why do you think the AL-41 should be an option? So far NO Chines Flanker uses this engine and so it would be a totally new one which again complicates logistics.
Did the SU-35s that the PLAAF receive not use the AL-41-F1S unless they were deliberately downgraded? It would complicate logistics no doubt since the use is still limited but it would not be a completely foreign engine.
It is unlikely that J-15 family will use a Russian engine that is not the standard Al-31s that they already use -- if they were to switch engines from current standard Al-31s, it would make more sense just to go to a WS-10 variant rather than another Russian engine.
IF true, I would guess the decision might be based on geopolitics and a bit on economics.
Well, the use of that engine on the Su-35 is a given fact and a natural think ... but to add this type even more so with TVC on the J-15 would be a totally new one, and IMO a most unlikely option.
He mentioned it's more of supporting the russian supply chain thus doing russian a favour, russian navy will certainly need Al-31 production line running while their AC getting repaired.
But if another J-15 needed to land on the carrier with only one working engine or worse, I think PLAN won't hesitate to call it off and switch to WS-10H.