MOSCOW. Jan 30 (Interfax-AVN) - Ukrainian Motor Sich have delivered to China the first batch of two AI-TLSH engines, designed to propel Chinese combat training aircraft.
"The first two engines were shipped to China free of charge for assessment," Motor Sich's Chairman Vyacheslav Boguslayev told Interfax-AVN, noting that the company continued supplying its Chinese clients with AI-25TLK in large amounts.
"China has intensified its efforts in the market of training and combat training aircraft, including supersonic," he added.
The AI-25TL engine is used by 36 countries to propel L-39 training aircraft of the Czech origin. The AI-25TLK version, featuring a thrust of 1,720 kg, has been selected to replace U.S. TFE-731-2A-2A as a power plant of the Chinese K-8J.
The AI-25TLSH was specifically designed to enable Chinese aircraft builders to improve the performance of their aircraft thanks by installing a more advanced and powerful propulsion unit.