PINGBA (PING-PA) PROPULSION SYSTEM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP79T01819A000101010001-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 28, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: September 1, 1979
• Content Type: REPORT

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/05/28: CIA-RDP79T01819A000101010001-2
basic Imagery Interpretation report
Pingba (Ping-pa) Propulalon System
Research and Development Center (S)
STRATEGIC WEAPONS INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES
Top Secret
25X1
PRC
Top Secret
25X1
RCA-09/0024/79
SEPTEMBE25X19
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Top Secret RUFF
INSTALLATION OR ACT VITY NAME
Pingba (Ping-pa) Propulsion System Research and Development Center
UTM COORDINATES GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES CATEGORY BE NO. ICOMIREX NO
NA 26-22-09N 106-15-42E
/AAP REFERENCE
SAC. USATC, Series 200, Sheet 0496-15, scale 1:200,000
ABSTRACT
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1. (TSR) This report discusses construction and general activities observed at Pingba (Ping-
pa) Propulsion System Research and Development (R&D) Center from 25X1
It updates NPIC report dated September 1974, which substantially 25X1
satisfies the basic reporting requirements for this target.
3. (TSR 1 The most significant development during this reporting period has been the ex-
pansion of engineering and shop facilities in the engineering/fabrication area through the addition
of 7,803 square meters of work space. As of Pingba Propulsion System R&D Center 25X1
contained a total of 116,336 square meters of floorspace.
4. (S) This report contains four annotated photographs and a table of construction details.
INTRODUCTION
6. (TSR) The Pingba center is atypical in its physical layout. It differs from the large-scale
Chinese aircraft engine production plants at which shop buildings and engine test facilities are
collocated. At Pingba, the engine test facilities are dispersed among a series rf interconnecting,
valleys with one central engineering/fabrication area (Figure 1).
BASIC DESCRIPTION
7. (TSR) Pingba Propulsion System R&D Center consists of a sea level sta'ic aircraft engine
test cell area (test area 1), a flight altitude simulation aircraft engine test cell area (test area 2),
and a central engineering/fabrication area which supports both aircraft engine design/develop-
ment and engine test activities (Figure 1). As of the total floorspace of Pingba 25X1
Propulsion System R&D Center was approximately 116,336 square meters.
Engineering/Fabrication Area
8. (TSR) The most significant development occurring at the center between April 1974 and
,June 1979 has been the expansion of facilities in the engineering/fabrication area (Figure 2). Two
additional major engineering/shop buildings were completed during this period. The largest build-
ing (item 3) consists of a five-bay shop section and a three-story engineering section. The other
building includes a two-story engineering section to which two single-bay and one double-bay
shop sections are attached (item 4). A small shop/support building (item 2), which was under
construction in October 1973,2 has also been completed. The addition of these buildings increased
the amount of floorspace available for research and fabrication by 7,803 square meters.
9. (TSR) This expansion, which was probably directed by decisions of the Third MMI, is
evidence of the high level of concern within the Third MMI with the need for the development of
indigenous concepts for high-performance aircraft engines.
Top Secret
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Top Secret R U F F
10. (TSR) Other construction in the engineering/fabrication area included the enlargement
of the motor vehicle storage facility. Several small sheds were razed and replaced by an L-shaped
storage building (item 5).
Sea Level Static Aircraft Engine Test Cell Area
11. (TSR) There has been no major construction activity at or additions made to the sea level
aircraft engine test facilities during the reporting period. Arnold Engineering Development Center
(AEDC) engineers have estimated that the five sea level static engine test cells at Pingba are
designed for a maximum engine airflow of 93 kilograms/second (kg/s) and a maximum engine thrust
of 87 kilonewtons (kN) for turbojet engines with afterburner.' For engines without afterburner, the
maximum engine airflow is estimated at 102.5 kg/s and the maximum engine thrust at 70 kN.
Flight Altitude Simulation Aircraft Engine Test Cell Area
12. (TSR) Apparently some internal difficulties or technical delays have been experienced
in the completion of the altitude simulation engine test cell building. Although the other compo-
nents of the test cell facility have been in place since October 1973,2 the augmentor sections of the
diffuser system have not been installed (Figure 3). A separation between the circular efflux
sections of the test cells and the exhaust section can be seen on imagery of On 25X1
imagery of a light shed-type roof was observed extending over the entire rear 25X1
section of the test cell area, covering a portion of the exhaust section (Figure 4). It is possible that
preparation was underway for installation of augmentor sections. In its present state, the altitude
simulation test facility would be of limited or no value for its intended use. However, on the basis
of the composition and size of the test cell building, it is estimated that the altitude simulation
engine test facility, when complete, could accommodate the testing of engines with about the
same thrust as those being tested in the sea level engine test cells (87 kN with afterburner).'
13. (TSR) Since late 1976, four horizontal probable fuel tanks have been observed on the
ground near the altitude simulation test cell buildin (Figure 3). Two of the tanks are 25X1
long and in diameter. Another is long and
in diameter, and the 25X1
smallest tank is long and in diameter. These tanks have remained in the 25X1
same relative positions with no indication of where they will finally be positioned at the facility.
Testing Activity
14. (TSR) General activities at the sea level engine test cell buildings indicate that aircraft
engine testing is being accomplished. Occasionally, several possible engine or engine component
shipping containers, have been observed near the test cell facilities. However, 25X1
because of the design and development function of the Pingba center, the number of aircraft
engine shipping containers observed there has understandably been light. The relative proximity
of the engineering/fabrication area to the test locations would probably allow engines and compo-
nents that are to be tested to be transported directly to the test locations without the use of
shipping containers.
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Top Secret RCA-09/0024/79 25X1
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Top Secret R U F F F--1 25X1
was used in preparation of this report.
MAPS OR CHARTS
SAC. US. Air Target Chart, Series 200, Sheet 0496-15, scale 1:200,000 (UNCLASSIFIED)
DOCUMENTS
1. DIA. DST-18305-060-76-SAO, PRC Aerospace Development Supporting Resources (U), 23 Aug
76, pp 1 & 15 (TOP SECRET
2. NPIC.
(TOP
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2bAl
COMIREX J02
Project 290008DJ
Forces Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC,
Asian 25X1
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Top Secret RCA-09/0024/79 25X1
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