United Engine Corporation (UEC) is expanding its field-testing capabilities for aircraft engines. The company’s Moscow-based enterprise, UEC-Salyut, has developed a mobile test rig for the AI-222-25 turbofan powering the Yak-130 lead-in fighter/trainer.
The Yak-130 is operated by several air forces, including those of Russia, Algeria, and Myanmar. Designed for both basic and advanced flight training, the aircraft serves as a bridge between trainer and light-attack categories—making quick, reliable engine maintenance particularly important.
UEC-Salyut’s new mobile rig allows engineers to verify engine performance directly at the customer’s site, without transporting the unit back to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The system includes a control and data-acquisition suite that emulates the Yak-130’s onboard interfaces. During tests, it records rotor speeds, turbine gas temperature (TGT/EGT), oil and fuel pressures, and vibration signatures. These data support a complete acceptance-test cycle and confirm the engine’s readiness for service.
The solution aims to improve turnaround speed and reliability for trainer fleets. By using mobile test equipment, operators can reduce aircraft downtime and logistics costs. The installation integrates mechanical, electronic, and software subsystems to replicate in-flight operating conditions, providing an accurate assessment of engine condition after repair or modernization.
Validating an aircraft engine requires operation under realistic loads—visual inspection or dry runs without measurement cannot reveal latent defects. The mobile stand reproduces takeoff thrust settings, transient loads, temperature profiles, and vibration environments while logging parameters in real time. Its control system integrates RPM, vibration, temperature, fuel- and oil-pressure monitoring modules. The software models all relevant electronic and hydraulic connections with the Yak-130 platform.
The rig is fully self-contained and deployable to any airfield, including temporary forward operating sites. This capability is particularly valuable for servicing Yak-130 fleets at overseas training centers and remote bases. Without such equipment, engines must be shipped to factory test facilities—delaying return-to-service timelines and increasing maintenance costs. Field testing eliminates this constraint, allowing regulated procedures to be completed in hours instead of weeks and enabling same-day return to service.
UEC-Salyut’s mobile rigs are already in operation at several Russian airfields. The project reflects UEC’s broader strategy of digitalization and rapid technical support for aircraft. Industry experts note that this technology could be adapted for other engine types, including future trainer-fighter and civil powerplants. The shift from fixed test facilities to modular, field-deployable solutions marks an important trend in improving fleet readiness and asset condition monitoring.
Technical note: The AI-222-25 is a two-spool turbofan generating approximately 2,500 kgf of static thrust (≈ 24.5 kN / 5,510 lbf). Developed specifically for the Yak-130, it features modular replaceable components to simplify maintenance. The mobile test rig verifies conformity with airworthiness standards and regulatory requirements while building a digital health profile for each engine unit.
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