SOURCE: AFI
At the Airshow China in Zhuhai, the United Engine Corporation (UEC), a part of the Russian state corporation Rostec, is making waves by presenting a fifth-generation engine for operational-tactical aviation to an international audience for the first time. The press release highlights that UEC’s showcase includes not only the latest fifth-generation engine but also an updated line of engines from the renowned AL-31F/FN family, as well as the new SM-100 engine. Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy Director General of Rostec, emphasized that this marks a significant debut for these advanced propulsion technologies on the global stage.
The AL-31F/FN engine family has been a cornerstone for various fighter jets and remains an essential component of UEC’s engine line. Originally developed by Salyut for the Chengdu J-10, the AL-31FN variant offers enhanced thrust, reaching up to 12.7 tonnes-force. This variant incorporates a redesigned gearbox, repositioned from the top to the bottom of the engine, which optimizes its configuration for the J-10 platform. Subsequent upgrades to the AL-31FN series have bolstered its performance, with the Series 3 variant increasing thrust output to an impressive 13.7 tonnes-force.
India’s Su-30MKI, a flagship multirole fighter, also relies on an AL-31 variant: the AL-31FP, which is produced both by Russia’s UMPO and under a technology transfer agreement by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its Koraput facility in India. While the AL-31FP maintains the same 12.5 tonnes-force thrust as the base AL-31F, its standout feature is thrust vectoring capability. With nozzle deflection up to ±15° at a rapid rate of 30°/sec, this engine is instrumental in enhancing the maneuverability and combat agility of the Su-30MKI.
UEC’s new offerings may also influence India’s search for advanced engines for its upcoming aircraft. With the Indian Air Force’s growing focus on indigenous supersonic trainer and combat aircraft like the HLFT-42, UEC’s fifth-generation engine could serve as a potential benchmark or even as a direct candidate for consideration. The HLFT-42 trainer, a supersonic platform under consideration by India, would require high thrust and robust, modern engines that offer advanced capabilities such as thrust vectoring and enhanced fuel efficiency.