China’s J-20A Prototype Captured in First Clear Image with WS-15 Engine | Aviation

The J-20 initially flew with the Russian Saturn AL-31 turbofan engine, which was later replaced by the domestically developed WS-10C while waiting for the final WS-15 engine specifically developed for the type.

China’s J-20A stealth fighter prototype has been captured in the first clear image with the domestically developed WS-15 engine, leading Chinese military aviation researcher Andreas Rupprecht said in a post on X. Rupprecht also shared a close-up image of the J-20A’s (serial number 2052) serrated exhaust nozzles, which are distinctly different, proving the presence of the WS-15.

The J-20A, with the characteristic factory yellow primer paint scheme, is operating from an unknown airfield, which could possibly be the CAC (Chengdu Aircraft Corporation’s) testing facility. The J-20A has a slightly different nose section, cockpit canopy and spine, the latter usually for housing additional fuel or avionics – or both.

And the very best! 😀 pic.twitter.com/fu8kd7eVDg

— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) September 8, 2024

The J-20 initially flew with the Russian Saturn AL-31 turbofan engine, which was later replaced by the domestically developed WS-10C in 2019. The WS-15 is expected to…