The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and the United Engine Corporation (UEC), both subsidiaries of the state-owned Rostec, have initiated flight tests for the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet featuring the new “Product 177” (Izdelie 177) engine. The maiden flight, conducted by Honored Test Pilot of Russia Roman Kondratyev, proceeded as scheduled, confirming the propulsion system’s reliability and performance within the aviation complex.
Developed by UEC, the “Product 177” is a fifth-generation engine designed to significantly surpass the technical specifications of previous-generation power plants. According to Evgeny Marchukov, General Designer and Director of the UEC-Lyulka Design Bureau, the use of innovative materials and advanced design solutions has resulted in a propulsion system with improved technical characteristics.
Key improvements of the “Product 177” include:
- Increased Thrust: The engine delivers an afterburner thrust of 16,000 kgf, which is expected to enhance the aircraft’s flight performance and provide a foundation for future modernization.
- Efficiency and Durability: The new engine features reduced fuel consumption across all operating modes and increased service life indicators.
Platform Evolution and Strategic Context
The Su-57 is a multifunctional frontline aviation complex designed to engage air, ground, and maritime targets regardless of weather conditions or electronic interference. Rostec representatives noted that the aircraft has already proven its effectiveness in real combat scenarios, confirming its compliance with fifth-generation requirements, particularly regarding stealth characteristics.
Mikhail Strelets, Director of the Sukhoi Design Bureau (part of UAC), emphasized that the Su-57 platform is undergoing evolutionary development. The jet’s architecture allows for the rapid integration of new technologies—such as the “Product 177″—ensuring the aircraft remains capable of meeting modern security challenges.
Industrial Expansion and Export Potential
To accommodate rising demand from both the Russian military and international partners, UAC is currently implementing a program to expand its production capacities. The Su-57 is already seeing high interest from foreign customers, with export deliveries currently underway.
The production of the aircraft involves a wide cooperation of Rostec enterprises, aimed at increasing delivery volumes and maintaining technological competitiveness in the global market.
