While it is a significant step in engine manufacturing in China, I would still say that the testing is far from over. While we have been quick to congratulate, we need to understand a few facts. J11 is a twin engined aircraft. Having twin engines assures you a certain amount of safety in that it is extrememly unlikely for 2 engines to fail simultaneously. Therefore it seems to me at least, that we are still in the testing phase although there is enough confidence in the engine to progress from WS10+Al31 combination to 2X WS10s. The real maturity would signify a solitary WS10 being used in a J10 (and the order for FC20s!!!). This in my view is 2-5 yrs away ( to full testing and maturity!).
Engine technology in China has progressed leaps and bound in the last decade and progress of a spate of engines would lead to further confidence and further new ventures. Long may that last and well done China!!!
Araz
