Another 14 billion rubles will be invested in the modernization of PD-14,2
The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade has launched a large-scale project to upgrade a key element of domestic civil aviation – the PD-14 turbofan engine for Aircraft MS-21.
The announced competition under the code name “Improvement of PD-14” assumes funding for experimental design work (RDW) in the amount of 14,2 billion rubles with the completion of all stages by December 2027.
The program aims to reduce engine weight, improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise characteristics. A commitment has also been made to study the possibility of reducing labor intensity and material consumption in production.
A paired flight of two MS-21 aircraft with PD-14 and American engines. Photo: youtube.com
This set of tasks is aimed at bringing the PD-14 to a new level of competitiveness not only in relation to foreign analogues, but also within the framework of a large-scale import substitution program in aircraft manufacturing.
The engine became the first aviation turbofan unit in recent decades to be fully developed and manufactured in Russia. Initially, it was assumed that the MS-21 would use American Pratt & Whitney, but since 2012 priority has been given to the Russian development.
The first flight of the MS-21-310 aircraft with PD-14 took place in December 2020, and in 2022 the engine successfully passed certification.
Over two years, 14 approvals for design changes concerning the expansion of operating conditions have been received. In February 2025, the United Engine Corporation (UEC) already delivered the first serial PD-14 to aircraft manufacturers.
According to the state program, 2025 such engines were planned to be delivered in 30, but later the ministry proposed reducing deliveries to 7 this year and to 28 next year in order to synchronize schedules with the actual needs of aircraft manufacturers.
MS-21 is getting closer to full localization of components every year. Photo: youtube.com
Experts note that the current characteristics of the PD-14 are already quite competitive. Thus, the engine's fuel consumption is only 1-3% higher than that of Pratt & Whitney units.
However, further optimization of parameters is important to increase export potential and strengthen the engine’s position in the CIS countries and friendly markets.
Work on improving the PD-14 is going on in parallel with the large-scale task of certifying the MS-21-310 aircraft in a fully localized configuration. Only after this will the airliner be able to enter mass production – the target figure is up to 72 aircraft per year.
The announced competition under the code name “Improvement of PD-14” assumes funding for experimental design work (RDW) in the amount of 14,2 billion rubles with the completion of all stages by December 2027.
The program aims to reduce engine weight, improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise characteristics. A commitment has also been made to study the possibility of reducing labor intensity and material consumption in production.
A paired flight of two MS-21 aircraft with PD-14 and American engines. Photo: youtube.com This set of tasks is aimed at bringing the PD-14 to a new level of competitiveness not only in relation to foreign analogues, but also within the framework of a large-scale import substitution program in aircraft manufacturing.
The engine became the first aviation turbofan unit in recent decades to be fully developed and manufactured in Russia. Initially, it was assumed that the MS-21 would use American Pratt & Whitney, but since 2012 priority has been given to the Russian development.
The first flight of the MS-21-310 aircraft with PD-14 took place in December 2020, and in 2022 the engine successfully passed certification.
Over two years, 14 approvals for design changes concerning the expansion of operating conditions have been received. In February 2025, the United Engine Corporation (UEC) already delivered the first serial PD-14 to aircraft manufacturers.
According to the state program, 2025 such engines were planned to be delivered in 30, but later the ministry proposed reducing deliveries to 7 this year and to 28 next year in order to synchronize schedules with the actual needs of aircraft manufacturers.
MS-21 is getting closer to full localization of components every year. Photo: youtube.com Experts note that the current characteristics of the PD-14 are already quite competitive. Thus, the engine's fuel consumption is only 1-3% higher than that of Pratt & Whitney units.
However, further optimization of parameters is important to increase export potential and strengthen the engine’s position in the CIS countries and friendly markets.
Work on improving the PD-14 is going on in parallel with the large-scale task of certifying the MS-21-310 aircraft in a fully localized configuration. Only after this will the airliner be able to enter mass production – the target figure is up to 72 aircraft per year.
- Oleg Donskoy
- youtube.com
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