New Russian Aero Engines for Combat Aircraft in Zhuhai

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC) of the Rostec State Corporation is presenting the latest developments for aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aircraft at the Airshow China-2024 exhibition.

According to Russian aviation experts, the premiere of the new engines in Zhuhai can also be regarded as a demonstration of the potential for the possible modernization of a significant fleet of AL-31 engines in countries in different regions of the world where Su-27/30 family fighter jets are used.

The world premiere of the fifth-generation 177S engine, which is highly efficient and increases the flight range of operational-tactical aircraft, took place in China.

The latest 177S engine for tactical aircraft has improved characteristics and belongs to the fifth generation.  Reduced fuel consumption in all operating modes allows for a reduction in operating costs.

 In addition, the engine provides increased energy consumption for powering the electronic systems of modern aircraft.

 The power plant also increases their flight range.

At the UEC exposition, for the first time, full-size models of the new AL-31FN series 5 and SM- 100 engines are also being demonstrated to foreign partners. They are created using technologies and materials typical of fifth-generation engines.

The SM-100 engine has been developed in the size of the AI-225-25 and at the same time has a lower weight, as well as a thrust increased by a third – up to 3300 kgf.

New design solutions make it possible to significantly increase the engine service life while reducing thrust requirements, which reduces operating costs.

Moreover, a modification for high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles can be created based on the SM-100 engine.

Serial engines of the AL-31F/FN/FP family for multi-role fighters have received a modernized appearance – series 5.

 The new modification of the AL-31FN engine, which was first presented by UEC, was developed specifically for single-engine aircraft and has increased reliability.

The use of the engine will expand the potential of aircraft in terms of flight range and altitude. This is ensured by increased thrust of up to 14 thousand kgf in takeoff mode and fuel consumption reduced by 6%.

“UEC designers use the latest technologies and materials when creating modern engines, and most importantly, new approaches. The engines presented in China can be classified as fifth generation in many characteristics.”

“Moreover, breakthrough design solutions allow them to be optimized to customer requirements and expand the range of options. The undoubted advantage of the new Russian engines is the ability to upgrade engines of previous generations to the most modern version during a major overhaul. At the same time, their service life or thrust can be increased,” noted UEC CEO Alexander Grachev.

At the exhibition, UEC is showing a full-size model of the new VK-1600V engine for medium helicopters and the TV7-117ST-01 turboprop for regional aircraft. A hybrid-electric power plant based on the new VK-650V aircraft engine is also on display.

The Russian engine-building corporation is also displaying a modernized RD-93MA turbofan with improved performance characteristics: thrust has been increased by 400 kgf, and the designated service life has been increased by a third.

In addition, a full-size PD-35 fan blade made of polymer composite materials is presented for the first time abroad.

 It weighs 30% less than one made of titanium. UEC designers have developed the first PD-35 technology demonstrator engine in Russia and used the latest materials and technologies in its creation.

During testing, it confirmed stable operation when reaching the design thrust of 35 tons. — DSA