Russian Su-57 Fighter Jet’s New Engine To Begin Flight Tests By Year-end

The new engine of Russia’s fifth generation fighter jet Sukhoi-57 is scheduled to begin flight tests by this year end, local media reports.

The engine for the Su-57, developed under the Prospective Airborne Complex of Frontline Aviation program (known by Russian acronym PAK FA), will be tested on board a flying lab in the fourth quarter of 2017, a United Engine Corportation (UEC) spokesperson told Show Observer.

The Item 30 engine is being developed by the Lyulka Design Bureau. The powerplant was first started on the ground in November of last year and continues to show success in ground tests, according to the company. It was announced that nine prototypes are planned to be built, Russian Aviation Insider reported.

The Su-57 itself is already in the stage of flight tests. The aircrafts prototypes are all fitted with first-stage AL-41F-1 engines, which are also currently in development. The UEC told Show Observer that the powerplant’s development work is nearing completion.

Last week, TASS reported that Su-57 aircraft’s communication system developed by Roselektronika will complete certification tests by 2017 end.