The Ministry of Defence of Russia released a statement on the thematic sectoral meeting convened at the National Defence Management Centre of the Russian Federation on March 5, 2024. The senior leadership of the Armed Forces participated in the meeting, which the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Army General Sergei Shoigu, led.
The head of the Russian Defence Department was briefed on reports regarding the development of the PD-8 turbofan-powered light military transport aircraft Il-212. These aircraft will replace the ageing An-26 and An-72 fleets.
The forthcoming transport aircraft will feature enhanced payload capacity, operational range, and streamlined refuelling and maintenance processes. It can also operate at Arctic latitudes and use unpaved airstrips.
Already in progress, United Aircraft Corporation has initiated the development of a technical initiative for the aircraft. The prototype is anticipated to be manufactured by the end of 2026.
In further discussion, the Minister of Defence suggested that the matter concerning the provision and maintenance of engines by the United Engine Corporation for operational-tactical, long-range, and army aviation be examined.
Sergei Shoigu reports that the Company completed all obligations associated with the state defence order in full last year and facilitated the early delivery of a portion of the products by the schedule as early as 2024.
The design bureaus exclusively use domestic materials to enhance the technical and resource characteristics of the engines. Ongoing comprehensive testing of hybrid power plants is anticipated to yield substantial improvements in fuel efficiency and safety and reduce harmful emissions associated with aircraft operations.
Shoigu said, “I would like to note that the capacities achieved by the Corporation’s enterprises ensure the necessary airworthiness level of the Aerospace Forces grouping involved in the special military operation.”
As the thematic portion of the meeting continued, concerns about the upkeep of the An-124 “Ruslan” fleet of heavy military transport aircraft were deliberated. Specifically, the D-18T engine maintenance progress for these aircraft was examined.
The joint-stock company “UZGA” is undertaking this endeavour on behalf of the Russian Ministry of Defence by effectively implementing measures to import alternative components for the Ukrainian-manufactured engine.
The director of the military department has reported that 49 engines have been operationalised and repaired. Maintenance and modernisation will add 20 to 45 years to the duty life of An-124 aircraft.
Mastering serial production for Russian D-18T engines is underway, with an anticipated commencement date of the fourth quarter of 2027. This measure will enhance the volume of aerial transportation to serve the Russian Armed Forces’ objectives.
