Today UEC (Russia’s United Engine Corporation) announced they are starting the second phase of the PD-14 engine flight tests. UEC claims the PD-14 is a fifth generation engine being developed for powering the MC-21 airliner. They also claim using up-to-date technologies and materials, including the composites. The PD-14 is the first completely new Russian aeroengine for the civil airliners in a very long time. The test engine is seen here in the flight test aircraft.
UEC has built 11 test engines so far. During 2015-2016 the first stage of the flight tests were successfully performed at the Flight Research Institute at Zhukovsky. The second stage of the flight tests is planned to remove the “limitations regarding the engine’s thrust ratings and with provision for the high altitude engine starts”. The performance of the PD-14 engine will be tested at all speeds, altitudes and thrust ratings.
Co-Founder AirInsight. My previous life includes stints at Shell South Africa, CIC Research, and PA Consulting. Got bitten by the aviation bug and ended up an Avgeek. Then the data bug got me, making me a curious Avgeek seeking data-driven logic. Also, I appreciate conversations with smart people from whom I learn so much. Summary: I am very fortunate to work with and converse with great people.
Great news for Russian industry. Good Luck