Russian authorities have granted certification for the Aviadvigatel PD-14 engine which has been designed to power the Irkut MC-21.

The type certificate has been signed by the federal air transport regulator Rosaviatsia.

State technology corporation Rostec says the certificate “confirms readiness” for serial production and operation of the PD-14.

It expects to deliver the first powerplants for two MC-21s by the end of this year, says Rostec chief Sergei Chemezov, and adds that European validation of the certificate is scheduled to be completed in 2019.

Chemezov describes the engine as “powerful, economical, and competitive in price”.

The powerplant is a domestic rival to the Pratt & Whitney PW1400G engine on the MC-21, and which has been fitted to the initial pair of flight-test aircraft.

Rostec says the PD-14’s development has been part of a state programme for the Russian aviation industry over the course of 2013-25, adding that it becomes the first fully-Russian engine for the civil air transport sector since the 1980s.

The corporation adds that the PD-14 will serve as the basis for other “promising” engines in the 9-18t thrust range.

“We see strong prospects for the PD-14 – not only in the Russian, but in the global aircraft industry,” says Chemezov.

State materials research institute VIAM says that 20 new materials were developed for the PD-14, including monocrystalline alloys for vanes, and high-strength nickel and titanium alloys for shafts and disks.

Nacelles for the PD-14 also feature domestically-engineered composites which lighten the structures.

Source: Cirium Dashboard