Approximate 3D visualization of the PD-35 engineRostec United Engine Corporation has completed the assembly of the PD-35 ultra-high thrust engine gas generator for wide-body long-haul passenger liners. The prototype manufactured by UEC-Aviadvigatel has already been installed on the test stand, the first results show stable operation of the components and systems of the product.
PD-35 is the largest in the line of the latest Russian aircraft engines, for example, the diameter of its fan is more than three meters. The developed gas generator will become the basis for the creation of engines in the thrust range from 24 to 38 tons. The gas generator, which is called the "heart" of an aircraft engine, consists of a high-pressure compressor, a combustion chamber and a high-pressure turbine – it is this part that drives the power plant.
The PD-35 project has been implemented by the United Engine Corporation since 2017. Gas turbine engines in the 35-ton thrust class have not been created in Russia before. During the development of the power plant, the scientific and technical reserve created during the development of the PD-14 engine is used to the maximum. Work is also underway to develop 18 new "critical" technologies: new materials, coatings are being created, new design solutions and technologies are being applied.
To develop design and technological solutions for high-thrust engines, as well as to demonstrate the readiness of new technologies for use in the design of new engines, work is underway to create a demonstration gas generator and a technology demonstrator engine.
"The development of the PD-35 engine for wide-body aircraft has passed an important milestone – the assembly of the first demonstrator. The work on this has been carried out for the last year and a half, specialists from a number of Rostec State Corporation enterprises in close cooperation were preparing the base for the start of testing and manufacturing the components of the product. Now the demonstrator is being tested, its nodes show stable operation, access to the low-gas mode has been provided," said Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of Rostec State Corporation.
The next stage of testing will take place at the Central Institute of Aviation Engine Building named after P.I. Baranov, where an active preparation of a specialized stand is already underway. Here, the operation of a demonstration gas generator with the supply of heated air under pressure to the inlet will be tested, which simulates the working conditions of the gas generator as part of the engine.
"At the moment, the gas generator is being tested in a standard atmosphere in accordance with the approved program. The tests should confirm the principle operability of the gas generator design. In addition, based on their results, it will be possible to evaluate the parameters of the nodes determined by the technical task," said Alexander Inozemtsev, Managing Director – General Designer of JSC UEC-Aviadvigatel.
The high-thrust engines created on the basis of the PD-35 gas generator will be able to be used on wide-body long-haul airliners.
