Development of the PD-35 high-thrust turbofan engine began in 2017. By early 2025, the program had transitioned from validating calculated performance parameters to testing the durability and reliability of key components. The PD-35 is set to become Russia’s first domestic powerplant for long-range airliners, with plans for a family of engines spanning thrust ratings from 24 to 50 metric tons.
The technology demonstrator, assembled in 2023, completed its first phase of ground testing in 2024 at the all-weather OS‑5 outdoor test stand in Novye Lyady, near Perm. Over 50 engine starts were conducted, including repeated runs at takeoff thrust. Results confirmed that the engine achieved its 35-ton thrust target, validated the selected design solutions, and aligned with predicted performance.
Testing allowed evaluation of more than 20 new technological solutions, assessment of thermal and mechanical parameters, and endurance testing of bearings and composite components. Critical PD-35 technologies are being developed in leading industry research institutes, including the Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM) and the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials (VIAM) under the Kurchatov National Research Center.
By early 2025, the PD-35 had evolved into a fully modular platform. At its core is a unified gas generator leveraging the technical groundwork of the PD-14. A key focus in 2025 was integrating additive manufacturing into the hot-section design and selected cold-section components.
Achievements in the PD-35 Program During 2025
The second phase of ground testing for the technology demonstrator began in 2025. Testing emphasis shifted from confirming performance parameters to assessing the durability and reliability of components made from new domestic materials. UEC-Aviadvigatel engineers evaluated high-pressure compressor blades, compressor modules, and the low-pressure turbine shaft. Tests were conducted under maximum load conditions to verify performance stability and reproducibility, which are critical for scaling production and preparing for certification testing.
Material production for high-stress components defining the durability and reliability of the hot section progressed throughout the year, using heat-resistant nickel and cobalt alloys. A new domestic alloy was applied for the low-pressure turbine shaft, while casings were made from titanium and aluminum alloys. The use of composite materials in the 3.1-meter-diameter fan blades reduced their weight by over 1,300 pounds compared to conventional titanium designs.
Additive manufacturing also advanced significantly. Over 2,300 parts for the technology demonstrator were produced using selective laser melting and hybrid shaping technologies. These components were evaluated in 2025 for geometry, strength, and durability in line with certification requirements.
PD-26 Engine Development and Purpose
In 2025, development began on a derivative engine, designated the PD-26. This next-generation powerplant builds on the PD-35 technology platform rather than being designed from scratch. Modularity, gas-generator standardization, extensive use of additive manufacturing, ceramic composites, and active blade cooling are central to the design.
The PD-26 is intended for both a prospective heavy military transport aircraft with a 220,000-pound payload and a wide-body long-range commercial airliner. Leveraging the proven technologies, materials, and design methods from the PD-35 program is expected to reduce both development time and cost compared to a completely new engine.
Beyond aviation, the PD-26 could be adapted for ground-based power generation and gas compressor stations. According to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, developing an engine for a single aircraft variant would be cost-prohibitive and economically inefficient.
Conclusions and Outlook
2025 results demonstrate that the PD-35 program has progressed beyond a standalone experimental project, establishing the foundation for a family of advanced high-thrust engines. The PD-35 and PD-26 line reflects the United Engine Corporation’s systematic approach to engine development, using one project as a technological donor for subsequent models. This strategy reduces risk, improves solution reproducibility, and builds internal expertise within UEC.
In the medium term, priority tasks include completing PD-35 endurance testing, certifying additive-manufactured hot-section components, and confirming performance stability in serial production. Concurrently, the technical design of the PD-26 will be finalized based on proven solutions.
The 2025 results mark a shift from experimental technology development to purposeful engine creation aligned with long-term industry strategy, where each new project strengthens and evolves the accumulated engineering base.
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