Even if true, China should only consider 117 and above at this point.
For those who aren't familiar with these Russian engines:
117S vs 117
117S
Intended to power the
Su-35BM, the izdeliye 117S (AL-41F1S) is an upgrade of the AL-31F that uses technology from the AL-41F. The engine produces 142 kN of thrust in afterburner and 86.3 kN dry. It features a fan 3% larger in diameter (932 millimetres versus 905 millimetres), advanced high- and low-pressure turbines, an all-new digital control system, and provisions for thrust-vectoring nozzles similar to the AL-31FP. This engine will have an assigned life of 4,000 hours and an MTBO of 1,000 hours. The first flight of this engine was completed in an Su-35BM on 20 February 2008. On 9 August 2010, Ufa-based company UMPO started supplying 117S engines (AL-41F1S) intended for Su-35S fighters.
117
Related to the 117S is the izdeliye 117 (AL-41F1), a highly improved AL-31F derivative designed for the Sukhoi
Su-57 fighter. The engine features an increased diameter fan, new high and low pressure turbines, and a digital control system (FADEC). According to Sukhoi director Mikhail Pogosyan,
the 117 is a new fifth generation engine built specifically for the Su-57. Though the specifics of the 117 engine remain classified, the engine's thrust was increased by 24.5 kN over the AL-31 while the engine weight was reduced by 150 kg. The new engine produces 147 kN of thrust in afterburner and has a dry weight of 1,420 kg and thrust-to-weight ratio of 10.5:1. Like the AL-31F, the 117 has 4 low-pressure compressor (fan) and 9 high-pressure compressor stages.
Mikhail Pogosyan further mentioned that the 117 engine meets the Russian Air Force requirements and will be installed in production Su-57 fighter which will be supplied to the Russian Air Force and prospective foreign clients.
The 117 is an interim engine meant for prototype and initial production batches of the T-50. The definitive second stage for the aircraft is designated izdeliye 30 and will eventually replace the 117 after 2020. The new engine has increased thrust and fuel efficiency as well as improved reliability and lower costs. Bench testing of the new engine will start in 2014 according to the general designer-director of the NPO Saturn Eugeny Marchuk. Produced in Ufa.
AL-41F1S (117S) Advanced derivative for the Su-35 Builder: UMPO, 2010, Thrust: 142 kN, Su-35
AL-41F1 (117) Adv. derivative for the Sukhoi Su-57 UMPO, 2010, Thrust: 147 kN, Su-57 prototype
