Five generations of gas turbine engines were developed here and the country's first conversion of an aircraft engine for the tasks of the gas transportation industry was carried out.
The A. Lyulka Experimental Design Bureau, a branch of UEC-UMPO (part of the United Engine Corporation of Rostec State Corporation), which has developed advanced engines for aviation and gas transportation, is celebrating its 80th anniversary. The OKB team continues the traditions laid down by the outstanding designer and scientist Arkhip Mikhailovich Lyulka.
Over 80 years of activity, the experimental design bureau has developed five generations of gas turbine engines, carried out the country's first conversion of an aircraft engine for the tasks of the gas transportation industry.
"Since the first days of its existence, the A. Lyulka Design Bureau has occupied a key position in the development of the engine industry in our country, creating high-tech competitive products. Thanks to the efforts of many generations of true professionals with unique knowledge, the team has accumulated a wealth of experience and serious intellectual potential, and has become one of the leading competence centers in the UEC, involved in the implementation of the corporation's most high—tech projects," said UEC CEO Alexander Grachev.
The Design Bureau traces its history back to March 30, 1946, when the State Union Plant No. 165 in Moscow was designated a site for the development of a development base for jet engines. Arkhip Mikhailovich Lyulka, the creator of the first Russian turbojet engine, became the chief designer and responsible head of the plant. Since 1950, engines developed at the bureau have been given the initials of the chief designer, "AL". In 1976, the company was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor for its services in the field of creating and testing new aviation equipment. In 1984, the Design Bureau was named after its first head, Arkhip Lyulka, a prominent Soviet scientist and designer.
Today, a new generation of engineers continues his work under the leadership of Evgeny Marchukov, General Designer and Director of the Lyulka Design Bureau, Corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and full member of the Academy of Natural Sciences. Thanks to the experience and professionalism of the OKB specialists, work on new-generation engines is successfully underway today and a scientific and technical foundation for the future of the Russian engine industry is being formed.
Among the advanced developments of the A. Lyulka Design Bureau is the Product 177/177C engine for tactical aircraft. The use of innovative design solutions and the latest technologies and materials has significantly improved its technical characteristics compared to the engines of the previous generation. The world premiere of the 177C product took place at the Airshow China-2024, and the UEC also demonstrated the latest engine at the Aero India Air Show and the Dubai Airshow 2025 international Aviation and Space Exhibition.
"The products of the AL line are a symbol of the quality and reliability of UEC—UMPO aviation and industrial products. Preserving the traditions of the Arkhip Mikhailovich Lyulka design school, the OKB team is increasing its potential from year to year. The new industrial engine AL-41ST-25, unique in a number of technical parameters, as well as the ongoing development work on promising aircraft engines, confirms the professional and productive work of the Design Bureau," said Evgeny Semivelichenko, General Director of UEC-UMPO.
The first two samples of the promising AL-41ST engine with a capacity of 25 MW for driving superchargers of gas pumping units are currently undergoing pilot operation at a compressor station in Tatarstan. The product has unique climatic characteristics that allow it to maintain high operating efficiency at elevated ambient temperatures. Its compact and modular design ensures quick installation, commissioning and easy maintenance of the engine.
"The Design Bureau has developed a team of efficient, creative engineers and designers, among whom 30% are young specialists inspired by the achievements of the domestic engine industry and ready to create new breakthrough solutions. Preserving and continuing the traditions of Arkhip Mikhailovich, we have managed to develop a new generation of engines for aviation and gas transportation that will provide technological leadership in the coming decades," said Evgeny Marchukov, General Designer and Director of the Lyulka Design Bureau.
The A. Lyulka Design Bureau trains a new generation of engineers within the framework of the educational and professional track "Wings of Rostec". The first graduates of the project have already started working in the departments and are performing key tasks for the development of gas turbine engines. More than 60 students are currently studying at MAI and 18 at the Moscow State Technical University named after N.E. From the first year, he received practical skills under the guidance of experienced mentors from the design bureau.
