Russia has first flight of Su-57 stealth fighter with a more powerful engine

Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation stealth air superiority fighter, also known as T-50, had performed its first test flight with a new-generation engine, according to a source in the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry.

Su-57 was equipped with the first stage engine 117S. The new engine has no name yet and is referred to as “second stage engine.”

Production fighters from 2020 onward will be equipped with a more powerful engine known as the izdeliye 30. Compared to the 117, the new powerplant will have increased thrust and fuel efficiency, greater reliability, and lower costs. The izdeliye 30 is designed to be 30% lower specific weight than its 117 predecessor. The new engine is designed to produce approximately 108 kN (24,086 lbf) of dry thrust and 178 kN (39,680 lbf) in afterburner. Full scale development began in 2011 and the engine’s compressor began bench testing in December 2014. The first test engines are planned to be completed in 2016, and flight testing is projected to begin in 2017. According to Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Yuriy Borisov flight testing with new izdeliye 30 engines will begin at Q4-2017. The new powerplant is designed to be a drop-in replacement for the 117 with minimal changes to the airframe.

On 5 December 2017, the first flight of a prototype—fuselage number 052—fitted with the new izdeliye 30 engine took place, in accordance with the schedule. The 17–minute test flight was piloted by Sergei Bogdan, Sukhoi chief test pilot from the Gromov flight test centre at Zhukovsky AB. According to the photos and video of the flight, the Product 30 engine installed in the No. 1, or port-side, engine position, with a Product 117 engine remaining on the starboard side. The Product 30 engine features a serrated engine nozzle, compared to the flat nozzle on the Product 117, and appeared to be slightly smaller than Product 117.

Russia is not increasing its military budget for the 2018-2025 timeframe. Russia will not be able to afford to procure many Su-57s.

SOURCES- Tass, Wikipedia