The PD-14 aircraft engine thrust reverser system employs advanced technological solutions, notably aerodynamic carbon fibre grids, ensuring reliable reverser operation even in the event of damage to individual elements. This was stated in a press release by the United Engine Corporation.
The methods used for forming an equal-strength monolithic cellular structure, developed in Russia, have achieved high grid strength. Their production is undertaken by the Central Research Institute for Special Machine Building.
The PD-14 engine’s thrust reverser design was developed by specialists at JSC ODK-Aviadvigatel, while manufacturing is carried out at the Perm Machine-Building Plant. A significant portion of the structure, up to 59%, is made from modern, lightweight polymer composite materials. This marks the first time that the thrust reverser grid for a Russian turbofan engine has been manufactured from composites.

One of the features of the reverser is its implementation using an electric drive, which is a first in the domestic aircraft engine construction industry. Thanks to the electric reverser drive, the PD-14 has gained a number of advantages compared to hydraulic systems, which also aligns with modern trends in creating more electric aircraft.
The use of carbon fibre has reduced the structure’s mass and allowed for the optimisation of the grid’s aerodynamic characteristics. During design, optimal aerodynamic solutions were incorporated into its structure, such as complex profiled blades, and the novel channelling of reverse jets using longitudinal ribs on the grid to protect the engine and aircraft from these jets.

Successful work on the PD-14 thrust reverser, completed in 2018, was the result of many years of research and development, and became a key stage in the process of creating and certifying the PD-14 reverser. In its development, modern design solutions, trends, and technologies were taken into account and used to the greatest extent possible. The integrated use of composite materials and optimised aerodynamic solutions has been an important step in the advancement of Russian technologies for the creation of gas turbine aircraft engines.