Chinese aviation engines. Beijing is becoming less dependent on Moscow
In mid-2023, China announced successful tests of its 5th-generation aircraft, the J-20, a significant achievement after nearly a decade of production. The pivotal triumph was the development of the appropriate engine for the aircraft, which had posed a considerable challenge for China.
As Roman Skomorokhov from the Russian "Military Review" ironically asks, "Why does China need the Su-57?" Although his analysis is essentially an ode to the Russian aviation sector, the article underscores a real issue facing China.
Skomorokhov astutely highlights that China doesn't need 5th-generation Russian aircraft. Not only are Russia's production capabilities currently severely limited, but Beijing boasts potentially superior machines.
However, he highlights a key issue: Chinese aircraft engine manufacturers aren't keeping pace with industry and political ambitions. As a result, despite China's aim to build a military power equivalent to their global ambitions, they still rely on foreign technology.
China's 5th-generation aircraft: Chengdu J-20
The Chengdu J-20 exemplifies the challenges faced by China's aviation industry. Recognized as China's flagship achievement in aviation, the J-20 was designed with ambitious goals – to give China a military edge during possible conflict scenarios with the United States.
This aircraft could play a fundamental role in Beijing's potential attempt to forcibly reclaim Taiwan, which mainland China views as a "rebellious province". Designed for longevity and stealth for operations on the eastern side of the sandbar, the J-20 could confront American carrier aviation in conflict scenarios.
The dimensions of the J-20 reflect its design for maximum range, requiring the placement of armaments within the fuselage to maintain stealth characteristics, rather than under the wings where they could increase radar visibility.
Chinese aircraft, Russian engines
The substantial size and weight (around 44 tonnes) of the J-20 pose a significant challenge for its creators. To fulfill its intended roles, the J-20 needs a highly specific engine – powerful enough to provide maneuverability for a heavy machine, fuel-efficient and reliable for long ocean missions.
The sustainability of the engines is equally important. If it's low, maintaining the combat readiness of the J-20 fleet could strain the aviation budget.
Initially, the J-20 utilized the Russian AL-31FN engines, originally developed in the 70s. These engines, while serviceable, are too weak for the demands of such a heavy aircraft and incapable of reaching supercruise speeds.
In a bid to resolve this, China introduced the WS-10 engine, a modification of the AL-31. However, this engine has become infamous for its unreliability, which is why China's successful test of a J-20 powered by a pair of WS-15 engines is viewed as a significant milestone.
Struggling with metallurgy
Previous technical issues largely stem from struggles with metallurgy, including applied technologies, alloys, and production quality.
An illustrative example of this is China's attempt to produce millimeter metal balls for ballpoint pen refills, an enterprise so challenging it was included in the national strategic plan "Made in China 2025", alongside space technologies, AI development, and new energy sources.
China’s relationship with metallurgy has a complex history; from the disastrous "Great Leap Forward" campaign to contemporary issues with warship engine rooms experiencing unacceptable vibrations.
Aerospace and aviation manufacturers are similarly affected. Although China is making ambitious strides, such as developing hypersonic scramjet engines, new rocket engines, and groundbreaking hydrogen engines for automotive vehicles, they continue to grapple with creating an aircraft engine that is high-performing and reliable, fuel-efficient and capable of operating for thousands of hours.
Statements from China’s decision-makers suggest that the technical issues with the WS-15 engine, which is integrated with the J-20, have been rectified after more than 30 years of development. However, the truth of these claims will only be verified through time and experience with mass production and operation of Chinese engines.
