Russia To Unveil Enhanced AL-31FN Series 5 Engine At Zhuhai Air Show 2024
Russia's United Engine Corporation (UEC) is set to unveil the enhanced AL-31FN Series 5 engine at the upcoming Zhuhai Air Show 2024 in China, marking its first international appearance. This engine is part of a broader showcase that includes various advancements in propulsion technology, including a fifth-generation engine for combat aircraft, reported TASS.
"A full-size mock-up of the latest engine for operational/tactical aircraft will be the main premiere. It noticeably outshines its predecessors in terms of its endurance, fuel efficiency and thrust and is actually the
fifth-generation engine. The improved AL-31FN series 5 engine will be shown to
foreign partners for the first time. The use of the next-generation powerplant
will considerably boost the aircraft’s altitude and flight range
capabilities," the press office said in a statement.
Russia will also demonstrate a mock-up of the SM-100 engine for advanced
unmanned aerial vehicles and combat trainer aircraft at Air Show China in
Zhuhai. Visitors to the Air Show will also be able to view innovations for the
PD-35 high-thrust engine demonstrator with its fan exceeding three meters in
dimeter: its blades will be shown in full size, it said.
"We offer our strategic partners the best solutions that both boost combat
efficiency and cut the life cycle cost of engine operation. For the first
time, ROSTEC will demonstrate at the Zhuhai international Air Show a renewed
family of AL-31F/Al-31FN engines, including engines of the 5th series, a new
SM-100 engine and a completely new fifth-generation engine for the most
advanced operational/tactical aircraft," the press office quoted ROSTEC First
Deputy CEO Vladimir Artyakov as saying.
Air Show China is the country’s largest international aviation and aerospace
exhibition held once every two years in Zhuhai. Russian defence enterprises
constantly feature their products at Air Show China. The exhibition focuses on
military and civil aircraft, space, navigation and radar equipment, airborne
armament, rocket engines, fire control and air defence systems.
Overview of AL-31FN Series 5 Engine
The AL-31FN Series 5 engine is an evolution of the original AL-31FN variant,
which was developed specifically for the Chengdu J-10 fighter jet.
The Series 5 engine is expected to offer significantly improved thrust
capabilities, enhancing the J-10's performance in terms of altitude and flight
range. While earlier variants provided thrusts of around 12.7 tons-force,
later iterations have reached up to 13.7 tons-force.
The new engine incorporates a redesigned gearbox and improved aerodynamics,
which contribute to better fuel efficiency and operational endurance compared
to its predecessors.
The Series 5 engine is being touted as a fifth-generation powerplant, which
suggests it employs cutting-edge technologies aimed at boosting combat
effectiveness while reducing lifecycle costs.
The unveiling of this engine at Zhuhai comes at a time when China is actively
upgrading its military aviation capabilities. The enhanced AL-31FN Series 5 is
expected to provide the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) with
significant advantages over older models, particularly in terms of operational
flexibility and combat readiness.
Comparison With Other AL-31 Family of Engines
The AL-31FN Series 5 will be showcased alongside other notable engines, such
as:
Engine Model | Thrust (tons-force) | Notable Features |
---|---|---|
AL-31FN | 12.7 | Designed for J-10 |
AL-31FP | 12.5 | Thrust vectoring for Su-30MKI |
AL-41F1 | 15 | Powers Su-57 stealth fighter |
This comparison highlights the competitive landscape of military aviation
engines, where advancements in thrust and technology are critical for
maintaining air superiority.
The introduction of the enhanced AL-31FN Series 5 engine at the Zhuhai Air
Show signifies a substantial step forward for Russian aerospace technology and
its collaboration with China. As military aviation continues to evolve, such
advancements are crucial for ensuring that fighter jets like the Chengdu J-10
remain capable and effective in modern combat scenarios. The Air Show,
scheduled from November 12 to 17, will provide an opportunity for
international audiences to witness these advancements first hand.
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