Rostec plans to develop a Russian wide-body long-haul aircraft after the creation of the PD-35 engine is completed, said the head of the state corporation, Sergey Chemezov.
“We will strive to make our own. As soon as we make the PD-35 engine, we will build our own wide-body aircraft,” said Sergey Chemezov, head of Rostec.
Earlier this month, First Deputy Prime Minister Manturov indicated that the widebody and military transport aircraft will have a thrust of 26 tons. He later mentioned a 26- to 35 ton engine for the wide-body aircraft, adding that it will be decided later.
Although Rostec has officially affirmed the development of the PD-35 engine, there is still a great deal of mystery and speculation surrounding the two wide-body aircraft projects that are associated with it: the Il-96 and the Russian iteration of the former CR959. These aircraft are indicative of Russia’s ambitious attempts to reestablish itself as a significant participant in the long-haul commercial aviation market. They do so by using domestically produced technology to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and to demonstrate the nation’s robust aerospace capabilities.
The PD-35 engine, which is being promoted as a next-generation powerplant that is suitable for massive, wide-body aircraft, is a critical component of these plans. It guarantees competitiveness, efficiency, and sophisticated performance that are comparable to those of Western counterparts. Nevertheless, the engine’s precise specifications, testing status, and integration timelines are still relatively unknown, which adds to the apprehension regarding its potential influence on Russian civil aviation, despite Rostec’s announcement.
At the same time, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of Rostec, has recently patented an entirely new wide-body long-haul aircraft design. The former CR959, a joint project with Chinese aircraft maker COMAC, that was originally intended to serve as Russia’s response to modern wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350, is unmistakably reminiscent of this aircraft. The emergence of prototype footage online has ignited debate and enthusiasm in the broader public and aerospace circles, as it implies that Russia may soon introduce a long-haul commercial airliner that is powered by the PD-35.
ShFDMS, the recently patented aircraft, is believed to be equipped with a modular design that accommodates three capacity configurations: a basic model that can seat 281 passengers, an extended version that can seat up to 320 passengers, and a shortened variant that can seat approximately 240 passengers. The Russian design’s capacity to carry approximately 296 passengers in a typical two-class layout is strikingly similar to that of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This suggests that the Russian design intends to effectively compete in this market segment. The flexible capacity strategy also demonstrates an understanding of the diverse demands of the market, with potential implementations spanning from dense medium-haul routes to ultra-long-haul flights.
However, a significant enigma persists regarding the coexistence or replacement of the IL-96 and the new CR959-based aircraft in the Russian commercial fleet, despite these optimistic developments. The IL-96, a four-engine wide-body aircraft that was previously introduced in the 1990s, has encountered significant challenges in terms of outdated technology and limited export success. However, the CR959, which is essentially a new design that incorporates the PD-35 engine, has yet to enter mass production, despite its potential to redefine efficiency and capability.
While the IL-96 may continue to serve in specific roles or niche markets, experts suggest that the future undoubtedly belongs to the CR959 or a derivative thereof. The industry’s ability to overcome technical, financial, and geopolitical obstacles, along with the timely development and certification of the PD-35, will likely determine the transition. The geopolitical environment, which includes supply chain challenges and sanctions, further complicates these objectives.
Roman Gusarov, an aviation expert, cautioned that the aircraft should not be expected in the near future, as there will be a substantial time delay between the project and the actual plane.
In conclusion, the advent of the new wide-body aircraft patent and the announcement of the PD-35 engine by Rostec represent a significant advancement in Russian aviation. Nevertheless, there are numerous unresolved inquiries concerning the relationship between the IL-96 and the CR959-based new model, such as market positioning, production plans, and timelines. The PD-35’s technological potential offers optimism for the revitalization of the Russian long-haul aviation sector; however, it will necessitate a concerted effort, innovation, and perseverance to transform this vision into actuality. The next decade will be critical in determining whether Russia can reclaim its position in the competitive arena of wide-body commercial aircraft manufacturing, as the world closely monitors the situation.
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