If China's new commercial aero-engine company is to compete with the Western propulsion majors in the next decade, as it aims to do, then its planned 30,000-lb.-thrust turbofan will need technical features that even those experienced competitors have lately found it challenging to develop. A first glimpse at the Chinese plans shows that in some areas Avic Commercial Aircraft Engine Co. (ACAE) is playing safe, while in one critical section, the high-pressure compressor, it seems to want to go one better.

SEOUL — Korea Aerospace Industries will deliver 16 T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainers to Indonesia in 2013 under a $400 million contract. The deal further deepens defense technology ties between the two countries. It is a breakthrough for Korea Aerospace, whose previous attempts at exporting the T-50 have all failed. In this case, it prevailed over two other shortlisted candidates, the Yakovlev Yak-130 and the Czech Aero L-159B.

BEIJING — China plans to launch five or six satellites for its Compass navigation constellation in 2012, as it moves toward offering an initial service in some of its own territory this year. With eight Compass satellites already in orbit and two or three more to come this year, the system should have at least 15 spacecraft by the end of 2012. It is supposed to have 35 when complete. The ground system has been completely installed, tested and found to be fully functional, says the PLA Daily, the official Chinese military newspaper.