China has announced a revolutionary development in aviation technology: a "shark skin"-inspired structure embedded within a turbofan engine. According to Chinese claims, this innovation could significantly reduce drag and enhance engine efficiency, potentially propelling China ahead in next-generation engine technology.
Chinese researchers have meticulously crafted this new "shark skin" structure from a high-strength titanium alloy using precision 3D printing. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reports that this advanced technology could reduce drag by up to 10%, marking a substantial improvement in engine performance.
The innovation centers on an engine component known as the intermediate casing. This crucial part, over a meter in diameter, features bionic grooves 15 to 35 micrometers deep—finer than a human hair. Previously, manufacturing such a large, precise component with a 3D printer was not possible. However, Chinese researchers have overcome this challenge with advanced 3D printing techniques and commercial software.
The intermediate casing, a vital structural element in aviation engines, connects various engine components and transmits thrust to the aircraft fuselage. Despite its slender profile—only 3mm at its thinnest point—the casing is remarkably strong, able to withstand loads over 10 tonnes. Laboratory tests have confirmed that the prototype meets stringent mechanical requirements and achieves a 25% weight reduction compared to traditional castings without compromising structural integrity.
This breakthrough holds immense promise for the aviation industry, heralding a new era of lighter, more efficient engine designs. Researchers also envision future developments where hollow fan blades, free from conventional structural constraints, incorporate advanced internal skeletons and lattice structures, substantially enhancing impact resistance.
Chinese experts believe this innovative leap could position Beijing to catch up with—and potentially surpass—the United States and its allies in modern engine development, a field in which China has historically lagged. For years, Chinese military aircraft relied on jet engines imported from Russia, which often suffered from reliability issues and subpar performance. This dependency prompted China to ramp up its investment in indigenous engine development.
The 2016 inclusion of jet engine performance improvement in China’s 13th Five-Year Plan marked a strategic shift towards advancing the aerospace industry. Since then, China’s efforts have borne fruit, with the country now equipping its premier J-20 stealth fighter jets with domestically produced Xi’an-built Woshan-15 (WS-15) “Emei” engines.
This progress has not gone unnoticed internationally. John R. Sneden, propulsion director for the US Air Force’s Life Cycle Management Center, acknowledged China’s significant investments in propulsion technologies and warned that the US was losing its propulsion lead to China. Although Beijing’s technological prowess in engine development may not yet rival the United States, Chinese media claim that this latest shark skin tech could propel China to a competitive position. The next generation of engines requires reduced fuel consumption for increased thrust, which presents numerous challenges.
China’s advancements come at a time when the US is reevaluating its approach to next-generation fighter engines. The US Air Force recently announced plans to abandon the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) in favor of upgrading existing engines, highlighting the challenges faced in developing new propulsion systems.
Brazil-based defense expert Patricia Marins noted that while military jets primarily use turbojet engines, not turbofans, this innovation has transformative potential, particularly for cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
China’s shark skin technology represents a significant advancement. Similar innovations are being explored globally, such as Lufthansa Group's AeroSHARK, a film-like coating with ribbed textures designed to reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency.
China’s latest breakthrough could significantly impact aviation's future, offering a pathway to more efficient and environmentally friendly engine designs. With continued investment and innovation, Beijing is well-positioned to challenge traditional aerospace leaders like the USA.
