In the Chinese thematic media, the topic of, that the J-20 fighters lack truly powerful Chinese-made engines. Once again celebrated, that Chinese aircraft manufacturers have reached "heights" in the use of "stealth technology", creating a glider using modern composite materials, but there is still a problem with engines.
Chinese columnist Hu Mikai writes, that the J-20 fighters "diagnosed with heart failure". This term is used by a Chinese author to denote problems with aircraft engines., which are typical for both J-20, and for the developed J-31.
From Hu Mikaya's material:
Now J-20s are equipped with Russian AL-31F engines or Chinese WS-10 engines.. But their performance is still low for those tasks., which are placed in front of fifth generation fighters. Russian engines of this model do not provide an increase in the combat radius of the J-20.. According to the plans, the combat radius is over 2 thousand. km, but in fact it does not exceed 1,5 thousand. km.
Is it connected specifically with Russian engines?
According to a Chinese columnist, “the great hope of Chinese aircraft manufacturers is the WS-15 engine”.
Target thrust indicators for this engine - not less 18 tonnes. At the moment it is said that, that it was possible to bring the thrust indicator of Chinese aircraft engines to 16 tonnes, but after that the developments "stalled". An increase in engine thrust leads to an abrupt increase in fuel consumption, what, of course, negatively affects the range of combat use of the Chinese aircraft of the new generation. As a result, instead of 2000 km and the values appear, a quarter less than the declared indicators.
Hu Mikai hopes so, that when the WS-15 engines are finalized, “the combat effectiveness of Chinese fighters will be revolutionized”.
