 |
| Russia Showcases 5th Generation 177S Engine for Fighter Jets for the First Time |
Moscow - United Engine Corporation, part of the Russian state corporation Rostec, showcased for the first time at Airshow China 2024 the fifth-generation 177S engine as a reliable engine for fighter jets.
The company calls the 177S engine highly efficient and increases the flight range of operational tactical aircraft. It has improved characteristics and reduced fuel consumption in all operating modes, which automatically allows for reduced operating costs.
In addition, the 177S engine provides increased energy consumption for powering modern aircraft electronic systems and increases the aircraft's flight range.
In addition to showcasing the 177S engine, UEC also showcased for the first time full-size models of the AL-31FN series 5 and new SM-100 engines. Both engines use technologies and materials typical for fifth-generation engines.
The SM-100 engine has been developed in the AI-225-25 size and has a lower weight and a thrust increased by a third – up to 3,300 kgf. The new design solution allows to significantly increase the engine’s service life while reducing the thrust requirement, which reduces operating costs.
The SM-100 engine can also be modified for use in high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles. Meanwhile, the AL-31F/FN/FP family of engines for multirole fighters has received a modernized look in the 5 series. The new modification of the AL-31FN engine was developed specifically for single-engine aircraft and has increased reliability.
The use of this engine will expand the aircraft’s potential in terms of flight range and altitude. This is ensured by an increase in thrust to 14 thousand kgf in takeoff mode and a reduction in fuel consumption by 6%.
UEC CEO Alexander Grachev said that the engines exhibited by UEC at Airshow China 2024 are engines with innovative design solutions. “UEC designers used the latest technologies and materials when creating modern engines, and most importantly, new approaches. The engine presented in China can be classified as the fifth generation in many characteristics. In addition, innovative design solutions allow the engine to be optimized for customer needs and expand the range of options,” he said.
Grachev added that the undoubted advantage of the new Russian engine is the ability to upgrade previous generation engines to the most modern versions. The service life or thrust of this engine has been increased.
At Airshow China 2024, UEC also showcased a full-size model of the new VK-1600V engine for medium helicopters and TV7-117ST-01 turboprops and regional aircraft.
A hybrid-electric engine based on the new VK-650V aircraft engine was also exhibited. In addition, the Russian engine builder also showcased the modernized RD-93MA turbofan engine with improved performance characteristics. Its thrust has been increased by 400 kgf, and its designated service life has been increased by a third.
The company also for the first time abroad demonstrated the full-size PD-35 engine fan blades made of polymer composite materials. They weigh 30% less than titanium fan blades.
UEC has developed the first PD-35 technology demonstrator engine in Russia and uses the latest materials and technologies in its manufacture. During testing, the engine demonstrated stable operating performance while achieving a design thrust of 35 tons. (RNS)