Proton-PM (part of NPO Energomash of Roscosmos) has put into operation a test stand for the turbine pump unit of the rocket engine RD-191 model tests.

In August-September 2021 the foundation was prepared, the power plant, hydraulic brake, torque and axial force measuring system and pipelines were installed on the site. At the beginning of October, commissioning and initial certification of the equipment was completed. This work was carried out as part of the investment project to reconstruct and reequip the RD-191 engine mechanical assembly and galvanic production.

Igor Glazatov, Proton-PM Deputy Chief Engineer for Testing: ‘The work to commission the new facility is aimed at organize full manufacturing cycle of the turbopump unit at our company. We have conducted four control tests of the turbine, with the results confirming the performance of the new stand and the ability to provide the conditions specified in the design documentation. We plan to conduct comparative tests and similar work with the RD-191M engine turbine.

To recap, Proton-PM delivered the first RD-191 engine turbo-pump unit in May 2020. Contracts have been signed for the serial production of 27 turbopump units, four of which have already been sent to the customer and the engine developer NPO Energomash. In addition, the Perm company will produce three prototypes of the RD-191M engine, modified by 10% in thrust. The first of them is to be produced during 2022 at the new production facilities of the Novye Lyady site.