The PD-35 engine, designed for the promising Russian-Chinese wide-body long-haul CR929 aircraft, will be tested in 2024. Earlier it became known that Beijing has started assembling the first sample of the new airliner.
RIA Novosti reported on the timing of engine tests for the CR929 with reference to the General director of Rostec State Corporation Vladimir Artyakov. The Russian government has already allocated the funds necessary for the preparation of pilot production and the organization of the necessary bench base for the PD-35.
Artyakov noted that in the history of the country there has never been an engine of such dimensions and power. In addition to the new wide-body long-haul airliner, it can be received by heavy-duty transport aircraft.
Earlier, the Ministry of Industry and Trade said that they want to start certification of the aircraft engine in 2027. As noted by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, 44.6 billion rubles will be allocated for the development of PD-35.
PD-35 is a promising Russian two-circuit turbofan engine of ultra-high thrust (at takeoff it will be from 33 to 40 tons). It is being developed by the United Engine Corporation together with UEC-Saturn. The head developer is UEC-Aviadvigatel, and the head manufacturer is UEC - Perm Motors.
The engine was started in 2016, the project was prepared by the end of 2017. The developers scaled the gas generator from the latest Russian PD-14 engine designed for the MS-21 aircraft. At the outlet of the high-pressure compressor, we decided to add an additional stage.
CR929 is one of the key developments of the aircraft industry in Russia and China. On the Russian side, the United Aircraft Corporation is engaged in the creation of the aircraft, on the Chinese side — COMAC. Moscow is responsible for the center section, the wing console and its mechanization. The Chinese create the fuselage, fairing, as well as horizontal and vertical tail.
In autumn, it became known about the beginning of construction in China of the first CR929. In the basic configuration, the aircraft will be able to carry 280 passengers at a distance of up to 12 thousand kilometers. In addition to her, there will be a junior and senior series. The program is designed until 2045.
CR929 layout
Image source: Sina Caizin
Recall that this year Russia assembled and lifted into the sky the first MS-21-300 airliner equipped with a new composite wing. The development of domestic polymer composite materials for the wing began after the United States imposed sanctions. The total share of composites in the design of an airliner is about 40 percent.