Paul Duffy/Moscow
Russian and Ukrainian engine manufacturers are touting re-engineing programmes for the Tupolev Tu-134 and Tu-154 passenger aircraft, which, despite their age, continue in widespread service in the CIS.
The re-engineing projects were among several similar schemes being offered at the recent Moscow Aeroengine Show.
Ukrainian manufacturer Motor Sich is offering its D-36 turbofan, which powers the Antonov An-72 and Yakovlev Yak-42, to replace the Tu-134's Soloviev D-30.
To get the programme off the ground, Motor Sich is seeking to tie up a deal with the Minsk Aircraft Repair Factory to undertake the re-engineing. The powerplant manufacturer has offered three D-36s to the factory free of charge if it supports the project.
Some 300 Tu-134s remain in service and a further 60 aircraft could soon become available from military stocks.
Tupolev says that it is familiar with the proposals, but adds: "No serious plans have as yet been discussed." The aircraft manufacturer says that significant tailplane modification, and a certification programme, would be needed if the programme were to proceed.
The Tu-154, powered by the Kuznetsov NK-80 or D-30 turbofans, is also attracting the attention of Rybinsk Motors, which built the D-30, as a target for re-engineing. Rybinsk is partnered by General Electric and is also working with Snecma to offer the CFM-56 for re-engineing projects.
Vladimir Ruschupkin, the engine manufacturer's senior representative in Russia, says:"The Tu-154 is there in reasonable numbers. Obviously, it would require some structural changes to the rear fuselage and tailplane to accommodate the wider fan of the CFM-56, but it can be done."
Rybinsk and GE have been pushing the CFM-56 as a potential powerplant for the Ilyushin Il-86 and the Ilyushin Il-76, so far with no success.
The latter aircraft is also attracting the attention of Perm/ Aviadvigatel , which is offering the PS-90A as a replacement for the D-30. The group also appears at last to have resolved its relationship with US manufacturer Pratt & Whitney over engine collaboration.
Development of the proposed PS-90P has been dropped in favour of working on improvements to the basic PS-90A. The programme - dubbed the PS-90A2 - would provide retrofit upgrade packages for already installed PS-90As.
Source: Flight International
