Doesn't the PRC still need to import spare parts from Ukraine, especially engine parts? Maybe some parts even have to come from Russia and Belarus?
PLAN Zubr Large Air Cushion Landing Craft
- Thread starter Jeff Head
- Start date
The engines are NK-12's that are made in Russia. The two "Ukrainian" Zubrs were made in Feodosia, now in Russia and Zubrs were also made in St Petersburg. For any parts that were made in rump Ukraine there are no doubt designs available to manufacture them in Russia or China.
The NK-12 is the most powerful turboprop ever built, but it is still 1950s technology. I assume it shouldn't take too long for the Chinese to reverse engineer.
To what purpose?
So that they don't rely on Russian-made engines.
And why would that be important. Both countries depend on each other in very many respects.
Yes, it is true, but ultimately you don't want "core technologies" like engines to be dependent on a foreign power, especially one that's not your ally (despite some here argue that Russia and China are already allies).
antiterror13
Brigadier
Perhaps the Chinese could improve the original engine to a much better one, more fuel efficient, smaller, more reliable and have same or more power. I am sure China can, and it is 1950s technology anyway
It is time to design a wholly new engine but both Russia and China have other priorities. Ukraine also contributed engines in the area, D-136 for the Mi-26 helicopter, D-18 for the An-124, but it will take time before the Ukrainian mess is cleared and one wonders what will be left of the Progress concern by then.