The stand of the Russian United Engine Corporation (UEC, ОДК), a Rostec Group company, is currently one of the main attractions at the China Airshow in Zhuhai (-> Report from the Chinese highlights). In the presence of the head of UEC, Alexander Grachev, the new “177C” aircraft engine was presented there for the first time on Tuesday.
The engine should be able to increase the flight range of operational-tactical aircraft. According to the report, reduced fuel consumption in all operating modes also helps to reduce operating costs and enables the engine to supply more power to the electronic on-board systems.
Logistik in der Luft: Militär Aktuell bei der Luftunterstützung
UEC is also exhibiting original models of the new AL-31FN Series 5 (АЛ-31ФН серии 5) and SM-100 (СМ-100) engines for the first time abroad in Zhuhai. In their production, technologies and materials are used that are characteristic of 5th generation engines.
New engine for single-engine jets
According to UEC, the AL-31FN Series 5 has a thrust of 14,000 kgf with a six percent reduction in fuel consumption. The new modification of the AL-31FN is specially designed for single-engine aircraft and is also said to have increased reliability.
It can be assumed that this engine was used for the Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate (-> Suchoi shows details of the new LTS fighter) is planned. It is Russia’s first single-engine fighter design in decades.
The SM-100 engine is intended for modern high-altitude drones and light combat and training aircraft. The SM-100 was developed as part of the modernization of the basic engine for the Yak-130 light multi-role combat aircraft (-> Yakovlev presents upgrade of the Yak-130). The Ivchenko-Progress AI-222-25, which currently powers the twin-engine Russian trainer, is a Ukrainian development.
Russian turboprop to replace Pratt & Whitney turbines
The company will also be exhibiting a full-size model of the new VK-1600V engine for medium-sized helicopters, the TV7-117ST-01 (ТВ7-117СТ-01) turboprop engine for regional aircraft, and the modernized RD-93MA (РД-93МА).
In future, the VK-1600V will power the Kamov Ka-60 and Ka-62 helicopters, which were developed on the basis of the French-Indian cooperation Turbomeca Ardiden. An engine that is no longer available to Russia due to the sanctions.
The TV7-117ST-01 is probably intended for the Russian regional aircraft Ilyushin Il-114-300 and the Russian military freighter Il-112W. The only Il-112W prototype burst into flames and crashed on August 17, 2021 during a test flight with this engine. The program has been delayed for several years.
Of particular interest is the fan blade of the PD-35 technology demonstrator aircraft engine (ПД35) made of composite polymer materials, which is 30 percent lighter than titanium. A demonstrator of this engine has already confirmed its performance at a thrust of 35 tons.
Further Su-57s delivered to the Russian armed forces
On the eve of the opening of the “China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition”, UAC and Rostec announced the delivery of the next batch of new Su-57 and Su-35S aircraft to the Russian Ministry of Defense. The number of aircraft was not disclosed. The image and video material via Rostec shows only one Su-57.
