Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC), a subsidiary of the Rostec State Corporation, unveiled its latest advancements in aviation technology at the Airshow China 2024 in Zhuhai. The exhibition spotlighted cutting-edge engines designed for a range of platforms, including tactical aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The showcase also marked the world premiere of the highly anticipated 177S fifth-generation engine, underscoring UEC’s technological prowess and potential to modernize global fleets of combat aircraft.
The centerpiece of UEC’s exhibit was the 177S engine, a fifth-generation marvel engineered for operational-tactical aircraft. This engine is lauded for its significant improvements in efficiency and performance, including reduced fuel consumption across all operating modes. These enhancements directly translate into reduced operating costs for users and an extended flight range for tactical missions.
Moreover, the 177S engine is equipped to handle the high-energy demands of modern electronic systems, enabling aircraft to operate sophisticated onboard technologies more effectively. This capability reflects the engine’s alignment with the needs of next-generation military aviation.
In addition to the 177S, UEC debuted full-scale models of the AL-31FN Series 5 and the SM-100 engines, each demonstrating significant technological advancements. The AL-31FN Series 5, a modernized version of the AL-31 family, has been developed specifically for single-engine aircraft and boasts enhanced reliability, increased thrust of up to 14,000 kgf, and a 6% reduction in fuel consumption. These improvements enable higher altitude and longer-range operations, catering to the demanding requirements of multirole fighter jets.
The SM-100 engine, meanwhile, offers a 30% increase in thrust—up to 3,300 kgf—while reducing overall weight. Developed with materials and techniques typical of fifth-generation engines, the SM-100 features extended service life and lower thrust requirements, resulting in reduced operational costs. Notably, this engine is being adapted for high-altitude UAVs, further broadening its application in both manned and unmanned aerial systems.
One of the defining advantages of UEC’s new engines is their capacity for backward compatibility. According to UEC CEO Alexander Grachev, older-generation engines can be upgraded to meet modern performance standards during major overhauls. This feature allows users to extend service life, boost thrust, and improve efficiency without the need for entirely new engine systems, making it an attractive option for countries operating Su-27 and Su-30 fighter aircraft.
“Breakthrough design solutions allow [the engines] to be optimized to customer requirements and expand the range of options,” said Grachev. “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.”
UEC also brought its expertise in helicopter propulsion to the forefront by showcasing the VK-1600V engine. This powerplant is designed for medium-class helicopters and represents a leap forward in efficiency and performance. Additionally, UEC highlighted a hybrid-electric power plant based on the VK-650V engine, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable aviation technologies.
In the regional aviation segment, the TV7-117ST-01 turboprop engine stood out as a key innovation. This engine is tailored for regional aircraft, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and reliability in a market segment that continues to expand globally. Its design and performance improvements are expected to bolster Russia’s competitiveness in this space.
The RD-93MA turbofan engine is another highlight of UEC’s offerings at Airshow China 2024. This engine features an increased thrust of 400 kgf and a service life extended by a third compared to previous models. The RD-93MA is expected to play a crucial role in the modernization of light fighter jets, providing operators with a cost-effective solution for enhanced performance.
For the first time, UEC presented its PD-35 fan blade made of polymer composite materials at an international venue. This component, which weighs 30% less than traditional titanium fan blades, exemplifies Russia’s strides in material science and aerodynamics. The PD-35 blade is a key feature of the PD-35 technology demonstrator engine, which recently demonstrated stable performance at a thrust level of 35 tons during testing.
Russian aviation experts view the introduction of these engines as a pivotal moment for the modernization of aircraft fleets around the world, particularly in regions utilizing Su-27/30 family fighter jets. The ability to retrofit these engines into older platforms provides a cost-efficient pathway for extending the operational relevance of legacy aircraft while bringing them closer to modern standards.
By showcasing these advanced engines at Airshow China 2024, UEC aims to strengthen its relationships with international partners. The Zhuhai event offers a strategic platform to demonstrate Russia’s engineering capabilities to a global audience, particularly in Asia-Pacific—a region with a high concentration of Su-27/30 operators.
The CEO of Rostec State Corporation, Sergey Chemezov, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “The exhibition in China is a testament to Russia’s commitment to fostering cooperation and innovation in aviation. Our latest developments exemplify the spirit of partnership and technological progress.”
The innovations unveiled by UEC at Airshow China 2024 are set to shape the future of aviation across multiple domains. From tactical fighter jets to unmanned systems and regional aircraft, the technologies on display represent Russia’s determination to remain a key player in the global aerospace industry. As international markets continue to demand advanced and cost-effective solutions, UEC’s engines are poised to play a crucial role in meeting these challenges, enhancing the performance and versatility of both legacy and next-generation aircraft.
