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?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![British Army to explore CUAS options to combat Class 1 drones]()
British Army to explore CUAS options to combat Class 1 drones
Named Project Vanaheim, the joint project will be run by the British and US armies and is the ‘first wave’ in a substantial programme of work to update both armed forces’ CUAS capabilities.
-
![US Navy's next-gen aircraft contract award expected this week]()
US Navy's next-gen aircraft contract award expected this week
The F/A-XX programme is the US Navy’s answer to improving air superiority against the rising threat of China in the Indo-Pacific.
-
![Avalon 2025: General Atomics combat drone to fly before August and will be targeted at Australian requirements]()
Avalon 2025: General Atomics combat drone to fly before August and will be targeted at Australian requirements
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) landed the big win when it was awarded Project Air 7003. Despite the cancellation in 2022, however, the company sees potential in the Australian market.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australia set to receive Apaches as Tiger retirement begins]()
Avalon 2025: Australia set to receive Apaches as Tiger retirement begins
After giving European Tiger attack helicopters and NH90 large utility helicopters a chance to meet Australian needs, which encountered problems, the country has turned back to the US for Apaches and Black Hawks, respectively.
-
![Avalon 2025: Honeywell finds local partner to support oxygen system of Australian F-35As]()
Avalon 2025: Honeywell finds local partner to support oxygen system of Australian F-35As
The last Australian F-35A was delivered in December 2024 and Honeywell is partnering with RFD Australia to support the Back-up Oxygen Systems (BOS) of the fleet.
-
![Baykar's Kemankes 1 missile completes maximum flight and dive test]()
Baykar's Kemankes 1 missile completes maximum flight and dive test
This is the latest test in the ongoing schedule for the loitering munition from Baykar – the first of two different AI-powered variants.
