The Shenyang WS-10 (Chinese: 涡扇-10; pinyin: Wōshàn-10; lit. 'turbofan-10'), codename Taihang, is a turbofan engine designed and built by the People's Republic of China.
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Type | Turbofan |
National origin | People's Republic of China |
Manufacturer | Shenyang Liming Aircraft Engine Company |
Designer | Shenyang Aeroengine Research Institute |
First run | 1990s |
Major applications | Chengdu J-10C Shenyang J-11B Shenyang J-15 Shenyang J-16 Chengdu J-20 |
Status | In production[1] |
Number built | 300+ as of May 2015[update][1] |
Developed from | CFM International CFM56 |
Developed into | Shenyang WS-20 |
Chinese media reported 266 engines were manufactured from 2010 to 2012 for the J-11 program.[2] Unofficial estimates placed production at more than 300 units by May 2015.[1]
Description
editThe WS-10A is advertised as an engine with 120–140 kilonewtons (27,000–31,000 lbf) thrust.[1] It has full authority digital engine control (FADEC).[3]
Development
editThe WS-10 is derived from the CFM56 with the experience gained from the Woshan WS-6 turbofan project, which was abandoned at the start of the 1980s.[4] The WS-10 project was reportedly started by Deng Xiaoping in 1986 to produce an engine comparable to the Saturn AL-31. The work was given to the Shenyang Aeroengine Research Institute (606 Institute) of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).[3] Initial production models suffered quality issues from the early direct use of AL-31 control systems. Furthermore, Salyut refused to sell the control system source code, forcing China to spend nearly 20 years developing its own code independently.[1] An early version of the FADEC flew on an J-8II in 2002.[1]
The WS-10A, targeted for 130 kilonewtons (29,000 lbf) of thrust,[3] was already in development in 2002.[5] In 2004, Russian sources familiar with project reported problems meeting the thrust target;[6] in 2005, they reported problems reducing the weight of the primary and secondary compressors, in addition to problems meeting thrust requirements.[7] Engine testing on the J-11 had already started by 2004,[6] and testing using one engine on the J-11 may have occurred as early as 2002.[5]
A full-scale WS-10A engine was first seen at the 2008 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.[3]
In 2009, Western media claim that the WS-10A approached the performance of the AL-31, but took much longer than the AL-31 to develop thrust.[8] Furthermore, the engine reportedly only generated 110–125 kilonewtons (25,000–28,000 lbf) of thrust.[3] In April 2009, Lin Zuoming, head of AVIC, reported that the engine's quality was unsatisfactory.[9] In 2010, it was reported that reliability was also poor; the WS-10A lasted only 30 hours, while the AL-31 needed refurbishing after 400 hours.[10] The quality problems encountered with the WS-10A reflected the state of the Chinese aerospace industry. AVIC initiated a general effort to improve quality control throughout its production chain in 2011.[11]
The WS-10A reportedly matured enough after 2009 to power the twin-engined J-11B Block 02 aircraft.[12] Production or performance issues may have prevented the WS-10A from powering the single-engined J-10B.[13] In 2018, Chinese state media reported an increase in engine lifespan from 800 to 1,500 hours due to the increased heat resistance of new third-generation single-crystal turbine blades.[14]
In March 2020, Chinese state media released a video showing a WS-10B-powered J-10C; aircraft markings suggest it was part of the fourth batch of J-10Cs for the PLAAF.[15]
The WS-10 has also powered various versions of the Chengdu J-20. The WS-10B reportedly powered low rate initial production aircraft in 2015,[16] and was used as an interim engine before the adoption of the AL-31.[17][18] In 2019, the Xian WS-15 – the J-20's intended engine – failed trials, leading to the decision to replace the AL-31 with the WS-10C as the interim engine; reportedly, the AL-31 was unacceptable because Russia refused to sell additional engines unless China also bought the Sukhoi Su-35 as well.[18] Testing was underway by November 2020.[19] In June 2021, Chinese media confirmed that the WS-10C was powering operational J-20As.[20] In January 2022, it was reported that J-20's powered by the WS-10C would be upgraded with TVC.[21]
The original WS-10A has a thrust-to-weight ratio of 7.5, the improved WS-10B is rated approximately 9.0, while the WS-10C is capable of 9.5 or higher — adequate for the Chengdu J-20 to supercruise.[22]
In November 2022, a production Shenyang J-15 powered by the WS-10, possible the WS-10B, appeared in Chinese media.[23] It was the last indigenous Chinese combat aircraft to replace the AL-31;[24] possibly due to navalisation.[25] According to Chinese observers, compared to the AL-31 the WS-10 had superior safety, reliability, and service life, aspects which are magnified by the constraints of carrier aviation.[26] The replacement reflected continuing improvements in China's aviation engine industry.[27]
WS-20 (WS-188)
editThe Shenyang WS-20 (WS-188) is a high-bypass engine,[13] reportedly producing 13.8 tons of thrust.[28] It is believed to be based on the core of the WS-10A.[3][29]
The Shenyang WS-20 is believed to be intended for the Y-20 strategic airlifter.[28]
Thrust vectoring
editA testbed J-10B powered by a WS-10 with thrust vectoring (TVC) – called "WS-10B-3" by Jamie Hunter – was demonstrated at the 2018 China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition.[30] The TVC nozzle uses actuator-assisted moving petals, similar in concept to General Electric's axisymmetric vectoring exhaust nozzle (AVEN) and Pratt & Whitney's pitch-yaw balance beam nozzle (PYBBN).[31]
Variants
edit- WS-10 – base variant
- WS-10A – improved variant with FADEC;[3] advertised to have 120–140 kilonewtons (27,000–31,000 lbf) thrust.[1]
- WS-10B – improved variant with greater reliability and thrust; based on the WS-10A,[32] with thrust reported as 135 kilonewtons (30,000 lbf) by Janes in 2020[23] and 144 kilonewtons (32,000 lbf) by Chinese media.[33][34][better source needed]
- WS-10H – Naval variant equipped on two Shenyang J-15 prototypes. Limited to testing.[23]
- WS-10B-3 – TVC variant[30]
- WS-10C – "Updated"[19] variant with stealthier serrated exhaust feathers and improved thrust of 142 kilonewtons (32,000 lbf).[35]
- WS-10G – thrust vectoring variant[36] generating 152–155 kilonewtons (34,000–35,000 lbf) of thrust during testing;[3] intended for the Chengdu J-20[36]
- WS-20 – high-bypass derivative for the Y-20 transport; 138 kilonewtons (31,000 lbf) of thrust[28]
- QD70 – 7MW class gas turbine engine developed from WS-10 for industrial & naval applications[37]
Applications
edit- WS-10
- Shenyang J-8II (test)[1]
- WS-10A
- WS-10B
- Chengdu J-10C[15][40][41]
- Shenyang J-16[42]
- Chengdu J-20 (low rate initial production aircraft)[16]
- WS-10B-3
- WS-10C
Specifications (WS-10A)
editGeneral characteristics
- Type: Afterburning turbofan
- Length:
- Diameter:
- Dry weight:
Components
- Compressor:
- Combustors: annular
Performance
- Maximum thrust: 120–140 kilonewtons (27,000–31,000 lbf)
See also
editRelated development
Comparable engines
Related lists
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Fisher, Richard (27 May 2015). "ANALYSIS: Can China break the military aircraft engine bottleneck?". FlightGlobal. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
- ^ "美称中国近三年内共生产约266台太行发动机". mil.news.sina.com.cn (in Chinese). 20 December 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Fisher, Richard Jr. (30 December 2009). "October Surprises in Chinese Aerospace". International Assessment and Strategy Center. Archived from the original on 13 August 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
- ^ "LM WS10A Tai Hang (China), Aero-engines – Turbofan". janes.com. Jane's Information Group. 26 January 2010. Archived from the original on 18 February 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
- ^ a b Fisher, Richard D. Jr. (7 October 2003). "New Developments in Russia-China Military Relations: A Report on the August 19-23 2003 Moscow Aerospace Salon (MAKS)". United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Archived from the original on 12 January 2005. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
- ^ a b Fisher, Richard Jr. (13 December 2004). "Report on the 5th Airshow China: Zhuhai, PRC, November 1-7, 2004". International Assessment and Strategy Center. Archived from the original on 26 April 2005. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
- ^ Fisher, Richard Jr. (12 September 2005). "Chinese Dimensions of the 2005 Moscow Aerospace Show". International Assessment and Strategy Center. Archived from the original on 19 June 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
- ^ Saunders et al., p. 37
- ^ Saunders et al., p. 44
- ^ Pomfret, John (25 December 2010). "Military strength is eluding China". The Washington Post. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
- ^ Collins, Gabe; Erickson, Andrew (26 June 2011). "Jet Engine Development in China: Indigenous high-performance turbofans are a final step toward fully independent fighter production". China SignPost. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
- ^ Rupprecht, Andreas (December 2011). "China's 'Flanker' gains momentum. Shenyang J-11 update". Combat Aircraft Monthly. Vol. 12, no. 12. pp. 40–42.
- ^ a b c Fisher, Richard D. Jr. (12 January 2015). "Images suggest J-10Bs close to entering Chinese service". Jane's Defence Weekly. Archived from the original on 13 January 2015. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
- ^ Chan, Minnie (7 September 2018). "Engine boost for China's J-15 fighter jets as Beijing tries to build up navy". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
- ^ a b Ju, Juan (5 March 2020). "Images suggest China has begun fitting indigenous WS10 engine into J-10C fighters". Janes. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
- ^ a b Kucinski, William (7 November 2018). "J-10B fighter aircraft debuts Chinese thrust vectoring technology". Retrieved 25 September 2020.
- ^ a b Singh Bisht, Inder (13 January 2021). "Chinese to Replace Russian J-20 Fighter Engine with Domestic Version". The Defense Post.
- ^ a b Chan, Minnie (8 January 2021). "China's next-gen J-20 stealth fighter jettisons Russian engine in favour of home-grown technology". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
- ^ a b Waldron, Greg (17 December 2020). "Chinese airpower reaches for the big leagues in 2021". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ "Chinese Media Confirms First J-20 Stealth Fighter Unit With New Engines Assigned to Northern Theatre Command". militarywatchmagazine. 20 June 2021.
- ^ Chan, Minnie (20 January 2022). "China to start upgrading J-20 fighter engines in bid to close gap with US F-22". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
- ^ Johnson, Reuben (18 July 2023). "China's J-20 fighter seems to have a new homegrown engine, after years of struggle". Breaking Defense.
- ^ a b c Kadidal, Akhil; Narayanan, Prasobh (25 November 2022). "China's J-15 naval jet appears with indigenous WS-10 engines". Janes.
- ^ Yeo, Mike (28 November 2021). "Footage shows domestic engine on China's J-15 fighter jet". Defense News.
- ^ Newdick, Thomas (23 November 2022). "China's J-15 Naval Fighter Is Now Powered By Locally Made Engines". The Drive.
- ^ Wang, Amber (24 November 2022). "Chinese 'Flying Shark' J-15 naval fighter jets look set to ditch Russian engines". South China Morning Post.
- ^ Waldron, Greg. "Pentagon observes progress with Chinese fighter engines". Flight Global.
- ^ a b c Fisher, Richard D. Jr. (4 September 2014). "China's Y-20 'enters second phase of testing'". Jane's Defence Weekly. Archived from the original on 5 September 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
- ^ Lin, Jeffrey; Singer, P.W. (20 February 2015). "China's most powerful aircraft engine ever takes to the sky: Presenting the WS-20". Popular Science. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Hunter, Jamie (20 July 2020). "China's Enhanced J-20B Stealth Fighter May Arrive Soon, Here's What It Could Include". The Drive. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
- ^ Tate, Andrew (5 January 2018). "Image suggests China may be testing thrust-vectoring engine on J-10 fighter". Jane's Defence Weekly. Archived from the original on 11 November 2018. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
- ^ Chan, Minnie (10 February 2018). "Why China's first stealth fighter was rushed into service with inferior engines". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
- ^ 空军新型战机歼-10C战斗值班,深圳卫视咋报道 (Television production) (in Chinese). Shenzhen TV News. Event occurs at 3:38. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
- ^ "假如歼-10,换装"涡扇-15",会不会更厉害?". Sina News. 3 February 2023.
- ^ Rupprecht, Andreas; Giovanzanti, Alessandra (29 September 2021). "Airshow China 2021: Chinese air force displays J-20A powered by domestic engines". Janes.
- ^ a b Saunders et al., p. 45
- ^ "涡轴-16发动机与法国合作用于武直10,QD70燃气轮机技术优势明显". cn1n.com (in Chinese). 18 October 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
- ^ Fisher, Richard D. Jr. (26 August 2014). "Chinese J-11BH 'aggressive' with USN P-8A, says DoD". Jane's Defence Weekly. Archived from the original on 27 August 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
- ^ "China's J-15 naval jet appears with indigenous WS-10 engines".
- ^ "China's J-10 comes of age with indigenous engine". flight global. 21 May 2021.
- ^ "China's J-10C Fighter jet with Domestic WS-10 Taihang Engine Enters Air Force Service". defenseworld. 14 May 2021.
- ^ 黃東 (18 November 2022). "珠海航展逆市高飛 軍事肌肉秀展現信心 (黃東)" (in Traditional Chinese). 亞洲週刊. Retrieved 23 November 2022.
- ^ Chan, Minnie (10 January 2021). "China wants to modify the engines on its J-20 stealth fighter to match the US's F-22". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
- ^ Waldron, Greg (28 December 2020). "China's enigmatic J-20 powers up for its second decade". flightglobal.
- ^ Chan, Minnie (2 August 2020). "China's J-20 carrier-based jet fighter influenced by US – not Soviet – thinking, designer says". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
- Bibliography
- Saunders, Phillip C.; Wiseman, Joshua K. (December 2011). "Buy, Build, or Steal: China's Quest for Advanced Military Aviation Technologies" (PDF). Chinese Strategic Perspectives (4). Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
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