a month ago
- Jet engines are a complex manufacturing challenge where China's state-capitalist model struggles due to slow iteration cycles, high regulatory barriers, and the need for deep process knowledge accumulated over decades.
- China excels in industries with fast iteration cycles, clear technological targets, and underserved demand (e.g., EVs, batteries), but jet engines lack these features, relying instead on reliability, certification, and a specialized supplier network.
- The commercial jet engine market has thin margins, extreme cost sensitivity, and rigorous certification (e.g., FAA/EASA), making entry difficult; China's CJ-1000A program faces delays and limited domestic sales without international certification.
- Military jet engines are more feasible for China due to captive demand and lower efficiency requirements, but they still lag Western counterparts by decades in performance and reliability.