WS-20
Type High-bypass turbofan
National origin People's Republic of China
Manufacturer Shenyang Liming Aircraft Engine Company
Designer Shenyang Aeroengine Research Institute
Major applications Xi'an Y-20
Status Initial production
Developed from Shenyang WS-10

The Shenyang WS-20 (Chinese: 涡扇-20; pinyin: Wōshàn-20; lit. 'turbofan-20') is a high-bypass turbofan aircraft engine designed by the Shenyang Aeroengine Research Institute for the PLAAF's Y-20 family of strategic airlifters, currently installed in limited numbers. It is based on the core of the low-bypass turbofan Shenyang WS-10A.[1] The thrust range is 138 kilonewtons (31,000 lbf).[2]

Testing with the Ilyushin Il-76 began by 2013.[3] Development continued in 2021.[4] Images of Y-20 equipped with WS-20s emerged in 2022.[5] The Y-20 and the WS-20 may have entered PLAAF service by March 2023.[6] Photos showed Y-20 with the PLAAF roundels and colours at Kaifeng Air Base.[7]

Applications

See also

References

  1. ^ Fisher, Richard (27 May 2015). "ANALYSIS: Can China break the military aircraft engine bottleneck?". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  2. ^ Newdick, Thomas (3 December 2020). "China's Y-20 Transport Appears To Be Finally Flying With Indigenous Jet Engines". The Drive. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
  3. ^ Fisher, Richard (30 July 2015). "ANALYSIS: China's aerospace Dream still lacks engine's Heart". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  4. ^ Waldron, Greg (30 September 2021). "Indigenous engines for Y-20 proceeding well: aircraft designer". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  5. ^ Waldron, Greg (6 January 2022). "Y-20U tanker set to boost Beijing's air-to-air refuelling capability". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  6. ^ Kadidal, Akhil; Narayanan, Prasobh (23 March 2023). "Chinese WS20 engine likely entering operational service". Janes. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  7. ^ "China Brings New WS-20 Turbofan Engines Into Service For Y-20 Transports: A Major Boost to Airlift Capabilities". Military Watch. 24 March 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
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