The new Chinese fighter, referred to as the J-20, is likely to use Russian-made engines, presumably the Item 117S, according to wire services. Or their Chinese clone.

Recent photos of a new Chinese combat aircraft surfaced in the Internet. At times this aircraft was referred to as the J-14, J-20 and J-XX etc. The new photos depict the aircraft taxing on runway.

In appearance the new Chinese warplane resembles the USAF F-22A Raptor and Sukhoi T-50 prototype (created under program PAKFA, for Future Aviation Complex of the Frontal Aviation), both attributed to the fifth generation of jetfighters. Apparently, the airplane is a stealthy design, with a low radar signature.

While stating that the new Chinese warplane is powered by Russian engines, the Internet sources give an explanation to that. They say that as though Chinese “home-grown” engines are not so reliable as the Russian ones. Russian engines are available to the Chinese aircraft makers through Russia’s arms vendor Rosoboronexport.

The sources believe that the new Chinese aircraft uses Item 117S engines. These are also installed on the Sukhoi Su-35S and (Item 117, without suffix) T-50 prototypes. At this time it is merely a speculation, though.

Earlier China purchased hundreds of Russian engines for the aircraft design of its own, including Saturn-made D-30KP, Salut-made AL-31F/FN and Chernyshev-made RD-93. The AL-31FN powers the J-10, and RD-93 the FC-1 (JF-17 Thunder).

Meantime, China has tried copying Russian engines of the above mentioned types. The Tai Hang is, perhaps, the brightest example, being a Chinese clone of the AL-31F series.

Photoreport: Russia’s AL-31FN powers China’s J-10