J-10 fighter gets local power boost
There is now sound photographic proof that the J-10C fighter powered by the indigenous WS10B engine is now in PLAAF service. (Photo: China National Radio)
Locally produced jet engines are now powering single-engine fighters of the PLAAF.
China has long struggled with developing advanced high-performance jet engines for fighters of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). However, a watershed has been reached with images of a J-10C fighter powered by a WS10B engine recently appearing on the Chinese internet.
An image from China National Radio showed a Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) J-10C with low-visibility PLA Air Force (PLAAF) markings taking off as part of live-fire exercises somewhere in China.
The mere fact that the WS10 engine is now employed on an operational J-10 fighter is not surprising, but what analysts have been seeking is proof
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![GA-ASI unveils Gambit 6 for air-to-ground operations]()
GA-ASI unveils Gambit 6 for air-to-ground operations
The new uncrewed combat aerial vehicle is built from the existing Gambit series, with a focus on deep precision strike and SEAD mission roles.
-
![Evolving for the future fight]()
Evolving for the future fight
Built on a 60-year heritage of providing the Department of Defense with solutions to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum.
-
![Embraer sees 27% uptick in Q3 defence revenue, progress in NATO and India campaigns]()
Embraer sees 27% uptick in Q3 defence revenue, progress in NATO and India campaigns
The company also affirmed that it would maintain its current trajectory and remain “on track” for its full-year guidance.
-
![South Korea: $16.64 billion in as-yet-unawarded contracts up for grabs in the air domain]()
South Korea: $16.64 billion in as-yet-unawarded contracts up for grabs in the air domain
South Korea’s military air market is the 12th largest in the world when it comes to unawarded procurement programmes, with an estimated US$7.50 billion potentially set to be awarded over the next decade.
-
![Indonesia receives first A400M, considers four more aircraft]()
Indonesia receives first A400M, considers four more aircraft
The A400M aircraft that has been delivered was first ordered in 2021 with a second aircraft due to arrive next year.
-
![Boeing prepared to go fast on CxR uncrewed tiltrotor concept]()
Boeing prepared to go fast on CxR uncrewed tiltrotor concept
The Collaborative Transformational Rotorcraft is designed with the potential to meet a range of mission requirements, from reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition to contested logistics.
