FSUE “Gas-Turbine Engineering Research and Production Center “Salut” presented its upgraded AL-31F M2 engine to the general public in the network of Engineering Technologies-2012 international forum, the enterprise’s press-service reports. AEX.ru

The upgraded AL-31F M2 engine has significantly augmented thrust (up to 14300 kgf) at all thrust ratings. In addition, the service life limit was increased to 3000 hours, the company noted.

The upgraded engine has new FADEC with hydro-mechanical backup control of the engine’s core allowing adapting it for any craft (analog or digital one).

“AL-31F engine is being upgraded without changing of its original dimensions and one of its aims is keeping the possibility of re-engining the whole fleet of Su-27 fighters operated in Russia and foreign countries without any modifications of jet’s airframe or nacelle, which may have caused additional costs“, - said CEO of Salut, Vladislav Masalov - “Equipping Su-27 fighters with these upgraded engines may significantly improve their aircraft performance”.

The ground bed tests and altitude tests in CIAM’s thermal pressure chamber have confirmed that characteristics of AL-31F M2 engine correspond to the claimed ones. The engine’s endurance testing is currently underway. Theenginesintendedforflighttestingarebeingmanufactured.

“The engine not only has the augmented thrust (+1000 kgf) but it also has lower specific fuel consumption as compared to its predecessor”, - said Chief designer, Gennady Skirdov - “Low pressure compressor, combustion chamber and high pressure turbine were refined”.

The first stage of AL-31F’s modernization was completed in 2006. The engine’s maximum thrust reached 13 500 kgf. The service timelimit was 2000 hours. AL-31F M1 engine (series 42) is installed on Su-27SМ and Su-27SМ2 aircraft owned by the Russian Ministry of Defense.