https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?__biz=Mz...926&idx=1&sn=1cbcbd84fcddd7c053d09d39fdbc31d1
Development for WS-13 (complete reverse engineer of RD-33) started in 2003 as the very possibility of political pressure from India to stop RD-33 export engine to PAF. WS-13 development is to ensure steady supplier of engines for JF-17 project. But as Russian realize China has a parallel project for their own domestic engine to replace RD-33 engine. There is very little incentive to stop the export which can earn extra cash for Russian.
The development is quite smooth and very little glitch throughout the process. Due to complete engineering of RD-33 engine, domestic WS-13 and RD-33 engine are indistinguishable. Therefore the misleading analogy that JF-17 still uses Russian imported RD-33 engine. But over the years due to China superior metallurgy compare to China, much superior fan blade with high lifespan and higher temperature tolerant. Thrust has significantly increase compare to earlier generation of RD-33 engine.
Development of domestic WS-13 engine for JF-17 started on 2003, completed in 2007 and initial small batch equipped JF-17. Estimated currently all engine equipped JF-17 are all Chinese domestic made WS-13 engine.
Development for WS-13 (complete reverse engineer of RD-33) started in 2003 as the very possibility of political pressure from India to stop RD-33 export engine to PAF. WS-13 development is to ensure steady supplier of engines for JF-17 project. But as Russian realize China has a parallel project for their own domestic engine to replace RD-33 engine. There is very little incentive to stop the export which can earn extra cash for Russian.
The development is quite smooth and very little glitch throughout the process. Due to complete engineering of RD-33 engine, domestic WS-13 and RD-33 engine are indistinguishable. Therefore the misleading analogy that JF-17 still uses Russian imported RD-33 engine. But over the years due to China superior metallurgy compare to China, much superior fan blade with high lifespan and higher temperature tolerant. Thrust has significantly increase compare to earlier generation of RD-33 engine.
Development of domestic WS-13 engine for JF-17 started on 2003, completed in 2007 and initial small batch equipped JF-17. Estimated currently all engine equipped JF-17 are all Chinese domestic made WS-13 engine.