United Engine Corporation (UEC) started flight testing of the indigenous PD-14 turbofan engine developed for the next-generation MS-21 single-aisle aircraft, Kommersant reports.

The Il-76LL flying testbed with PD-14 engine was rolled out on October 24th 2015. The jet performed the first test flight on Friday October 30th 2015. It was reported that the engine was running during the flight.

The seventh PD-14 test engine will be used for flight tests. Initially it was planned to start the flight testing in July 2015; however, due to financial difficulties the start of the flight test program was rescheduled for autumn 2015.

PD-14 engine is being developed as a part of a family of engines with a thrust from 12,5 to 18 tons designed for passenger and transport aircraft, including the next-generation MS-21 aircraft, which is being developed by Irkut Corporation. Aviadvigatel is the primary product developer in the network of PD-14 project, Perm Engine Company – leading manufacturer.

PD-14 will power two versions of the aircraft - MS-21-300 and MS-21-200. UEC has already secured orders for at least 35 engines of the type; liners powered by the engines will be delivered to Aeroflot. Certification of PD-14 engine in Russia should be completed in spring 2017; the engine should receive EASA type certificate in 2018. The output of Perm Engine Company should reach 40 engines per year by 2025 and 50 engines per year – by 2030.