Russia’s Ministry of Trade and Industry has issued a call for tenders for a significant project aimed at improving the PD-14 engine, which powers the Yakovlev MC-21-310 aircraft. The project, with a total budget of over 14.2 billion rubles (approximately $170 million), will take place in three phases and is expected to be completed by December 2027.
The modernization project focuses on extending the engine’s lifespan, enhancing fuel efficiency, and reducing both weight and noise. The work will utilize data from the MC-21-310’s ongoing testing to guide the improvements. In addition to performance enhancements, the project aims to optimize production processes, reducing labor and material costs.
The project will unfold in three stages:
2025 (Initial Stage): This phase will focus on refining the system and expanding the operational capabilities of the PD-14 engine.
2026 (Weight and Fuel Efficiency Improvements): Key areas of focus will include reducing the engine’s weight, increasing fuel efficiency, and improving acoustic performance.
2027 (Testing and Serial Production Preparation): The final year will concentrate on testing and preparing the engine for serial production.
The PD-14 engine, which was certified by Rosaviatsia (Russia’s federal air transport regulator) in 2018, first flew on the MC-21-310 in December 2020. Originally intended as a Russian alternative to the Pratt & Whitney PW1400G engine for the MC-21-300 variant, the PD-14 has become even more crucial due to sanctions resulting from the ongoing Ukraine conflict. As a result, the MC-21-310, which is still in development, has taken the lead, with the aircraft undergoing modifications to replace foreign-built components with domestically produced ones.