The fleet of An-124 Ruslan heavy military transport aircraft is maintained through overhaul of D-18T engines, which are installed on this class of aircraft. This was announced by Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a thematic conference call.
“This task in the interests of the Ministry of Defence is solved by UZGA joint-stock company, which successfully implements measures on import substitution of engine elements of Ukrainian production. As of today, 49 engines have been repaired and put into operation,” the minister said, opening the meeting.
According to him, repair and modernisation of D-18T will allow to extend the service life of An-124 aircraft from 20 to 45 years. “The serial production of Russian D-18T engines is currently being mastered, which is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2027. This will make it possible to increase air transport volumes in the interests of the Armed Forces,” Sergei Shoigu added.
The D-18T engine develops a thrust of 23,400 kgf, it was developed in Zaporozhye by the Progress design bureau and produced there at the Motor-Sich plant. To date, Russia does not have an engine with a thrust of 23-25 tonnes. The PS-90A develops a thrust of 16,000 kgf, while the promising PD-35 is at the stage of testing a gas generator and manufacturing an engine demonstrator. In October 2023, it was reported that the D-18T is in the process of completing deep modernisation, with its spare parts being fully manufactured in Russia.
