nnChengdu Flies Chinese-powered J-10 Fighter
By: David Donald
August 8, 2011
Military Aircraft
Aircraft 1035 is the first J-10 to be seen with the Chinese WS-10 engine since the early prototypes. The engine can be distinguished from the Russian AL-31FN by the profile of the nozzle.
The design institute at Chengdu flew a J-10B development aircraft fitted with the indigenous Shenyang Liming WS-10A Taihang engine at the end of July. All previous J-10s, apart from the first few prototypes, have flown with the Russian AL-31FN engine. The aircraft with the homegrown engine is coded “1035” and is presumably the fifth J-10B prototype, although that number may include a ground-test article.
The WS-10 has always been the intended powerplant for the J-10, but problems with its development led to an early switch to the Russian powerplant. The J-10B flight trials suggest that the engine has matured enough to now be considered for a single-engine application. Clearance of the Taihang engine would make the J-10 an “all-Chinese” aircraft, available for export without any external restrictions.
Meanwhile, an uncorroborated report of comments attributed to a high-ranking official at the Chengdu facility stated that the J-10B is about to enter production for the Chinese air force, and that the first unit of approximately 10 aircraft (with AL-31FN engines) could be delivered by year-end.
According to this same report, production of the J-10B, which features active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and a diverterless supersonic intake, would proceed alongside that of the J-10A for some time.
Interesting!! This is contrary to earlier reports that J10A production has been halted and the next production units will be J10Bs. I wonder what is the reason for the change of mind and why is PLAAF continuing to produce J10As when they are already geared up for J10Bs.Does it mean that the two have different roles?
Araz