ChineseTiger1986
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"I don't need to prove that J-20 is using Al-31FM2."
You need to prove Al-31FM2 actually exists and has sold and delivered to China. I am saying there is no proof that this engine exists beyond the announcement made by the Russian in 2012.
"its oustanding maneuverability at supersonic speed is achieved via afterburner.'
This is so silly. I have explained that outstanding maneuverability at supersonic speed, requires a powerful engine to replenish lost energy, to stay above the transonic region, which is very draggy, and requires much time and fuel, to pass beyond it. And if this engine, requires AB constantly, it will burn up its fuel rapidly, and have to go home, early.
This is no "outstanding maneuverability at supersonic speed".
It's just lame.
I have to have to say that insisting the AL-31F is even more nonsense than the steam catapult for the Type 002.
At least the steam catapult was the original design for the Type 002, but later got abandoned for the EMALS.
Meanwhile, the AL-31FM2 was never intended for the J-20. The engine of some earlier prototype bearing some resemblance to the AL-31F family members doesn't mean anything. Even the WS-13E bears a lot of resemblance to the RD-93, yet these are two completely diffrent engines.
Even With WS10b J20 can make limited supercruise, the possibility of Russian engine on J20 had been ruled out long time ago.
And we can't exclude the possibility WS15 had entered into service. Who damn knows?
This is what I thought, but when the J-20 pilot referred that the J-20 can super cruise like a beast, the WS-15 is also quite likely, since China always loves to keep in low profile.
Even if this engine is still not the definitive version of the WS-15, then this temporary substitute has also to be at least on par with the F119.
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