A regulator stock exchange filing by the Hebei subsidiary of China’s Central Iron & Steel Research (CISRI) has disclosed the production numbers of military engines for the next decade.
Data provided by Hebei Cisri Dekai Technology Co. Ltd. shows a maximum of only five WS-15 and WS-19 engines each year from 2020 till 2026. The WS-15 will power the J-20 stealth fighter while the WS-19 is being develop for the FC-31 fighter.
The WS-18 engine is running into trouble with development half suspended as the company research into new materials. The WS-18 is designed for the H-6K bomber and Y-20 airlifter.
Another alternative engine for the Y-20, the WS-20 will also enter limited production starting from 2024.
The WS-10, which powers the J-10, J-11, J-15, J-16 fighters is having a successful production run. The company sees gradual increase in annual production numbers starting from 320 engines in 2020 till 450 engines by 2026.
The PLA is expected to induct a large number of Z-20 utility helicopters into service in the next decade as demands for the WZ-10 turboshaft engine is being increased from 65 for 2020 till 205 engines each year by 2026.
It’s going to take them some time, remember we invented the knife and fork, the best they could do is a couple of sticks.