Can China finally solve its military jet engine problems? A new material might just do the trick
- A new carbon-based coating for engine turbines that can withstand high temperatures could allow the country’s most advanced fighters to operate at full capacity
- The country has long struggled with the technology required for its J-20 jets and has been forced to use engines that offer lower levels of performance
State media reported that it has developed a new coating material for turbines that helps “fill a technological gap” and will help increase the thrust power in the engines.
The membrane designed by the Yuanke Energy Saving and Environmental Protection Technology Development Company in Hebei province can withstand temperatures of 1,800 Celsius, Guangming Daily Online reported, and will help protect them from corrosion and ensure a higher power output.
“It fills the technological gap in the application of aero-engine turbine blades in this field for China, breaking the international monopoly,” the reports said.
The country’s main fighter jet engine, the WS-10, can withstand temperatures of around 1,470 Celsius and the improvement could help significantly improve the engine’s output power.
Fan blades have long been an Achilles’ heel in China’s programme to develop jet engines.