MAKS 2009: Russia's 5th-Gen fighter jet engine facing problems news

MAKS 2009: Russia's 5th-Gen fighter jet engine facing problems news

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Zhukovsky, Moscow Region: Russia's fifth-generation fighter planes, being developed by the Sukhoi design bureau in collaboration with India's Hindustan Aeronautic Ltd (HAL), is set to start flight trials in November, the Russian air force chief said Thursday. He also revealed that the fighters' engine development programme had run into some problems.
Speaking at the MAKS air show outside Moscow, Col Gen Alexander Zelin said: "For the time being, the aircraft will use Saturn engines.

(visit the link for the full news article)

Every aircraft development program runs into problems at some stage. No big deal, especially when it comes to the high level of engineering present in a fifth generation fighter aircraft like the F-22 and PAK FA.

The main problem addressed in the article is the engine. NPO Saturn is trying to develop the AL-41F supercruising turbofan, equivalent to the PW F119. Developing a jet engine is a complex task, as it requires the correct metallurgy, along with precision-made engine parts and correct level of tuning for optimum performance, along with reliability, maintainability and fuel efficiency.

Given the high level of engineering, such a 5th gen fighter may not be produced in bulk unless the aviation industry is sufficiently large enough to allow it.

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(visit the link for the full news article)

Originally posted by ironfalcon


Every aircraft development program runs into problems at some stage. No big deal, especially when it comes to the high level of engineering present in a fifth generation fighter aircraft like the F-22 and PAK FA.

KUDOS for this information being released. Anytime there is an advancement. There is always an element counter attitude to cover failures.

Good for them

Slay

[edit on 6-9-2009 by SLAYER69]

"Now, the Itar-Tass news agency quotes Gen Zelin as saying that the second prototype fighter jet was undergoing ''field trials.''"

That sounds most promising, T-50 being revealed in November. Engine problems sound unfortunate but it is new technology and it will probably be sorted out by the deadline.