Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC) has confirmed that its PD-35 engine technology demonstrator has repeatedly achieved thrust exceeding 35 tonnes during ground testing, strengthening the technological foundation for a future generation of Russian widebody aircraft. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has been examining the feasibility of developing a twin-engine Il-96 that is powered by two PD-35 engines as a more cost-effective alternative to the current four-engine configuration.
Nevertheless, the challenge is not limited to achieving the necessary engine thrust. Before a two-engine Il-96 could be commercially viable for long-haul flights, it would necessitate extensive aircraft redesign, integration work, and certification.
PD-35 Demonstrator Confirms 35-Tonne Thrust Capability
UEC reiterated in a November 2 release that its PD-35 technology demonstration had consistently achieved the 35-ton thrust class during testing.
The program is being implemented by UEC-Aviadvigatel in Perm, where engineers have established a specialized open-air test facility that can accommodate aircraft engines that generate up to 50 tons of thrust. The facility is of particular significance due to the fact that Russia has never before developed an aircraft engine of this magnitude.
The demonstrator achieved take-off operating conditions and produced thrust exceeding 35 tons on multiple occasions during the initial phase of testing, which included over 50 engine starters. The second phase was dedicated to the validation of components that were produced using new domestic materials.
These consisted of the low-pressure turbine shaft, high-pressure turbine blades, and high-pressure compressor blades. It is vital to test these components under rigorous operating conditions to determine their reliability, durability, and strength.
The latest confirmation reinforces the progress made during the programme, although the technology demonstrator should not be confused with a fully certified production engine.
A 20-Technology Programme Behind the PD-35
The PD-35 program, which has been in development since 2017, is a major expansion of Russia’s large-engine manufacturing capabilities. It builds upon the engineering expertise acquired through the PD-14 program for the MC-21, but it also incorporates technologies that are necessary for a much larger powerplant.
UEC has identified approximately 20 critical technologies that are being developed and implemented through the program. These cover aerodynamic design, structural engineering, manufacturing processes, protective coatings, and advanced materials.
The engine’s size is one of the most major obstacles. The PD-35 is classified as a different engineering category than Russia’s current commercial turbofan engines due to its fan diameter exceeding three meters.
The program also aims to establish the technological foundation for a comprehensive family of high-thrust engines, with a proposed thrust range of approximately 24 to 38 tons. This has the potential to accommodate a variety of widebody passenger and military transport aircraft applications in the future.
The evaluation of compressor and turbine components that have been recently developed was a component of the second phase of demonstrator testing. The corporation has also reported the successful testing of a unified gas generator at facilities operated by the Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM). This testing included evaluations under full-engine and simulated high-altitude conditions.
Why UAC Wants a Twin-Engine Il-96
The possibility of replacing the four-engine configuration of the Il-96 with two high-thrust PD-35 engines has been under consideration since 2025.
In an interview with Rossiya 24, UAC chief Vadim Badekha confirmed that the corporation was investigating a more cost-effective twin-engine Il-96 on June 19, 2025.
He characterized the proposal as an extension of an existing Russian widebody aircraft, rather than a development that was entirely unrelated. The concept is to preserve the benefits of the Il-96 platform while incorporating a contemporary propulsion system that can enhance operating economics.
Four PS-90A engines are currently used by the Il-96-300. Although it offers Russia a domestically manufactured long-haul aircraft, its four-engine configuration places it at an economic disadvantage in comparison to contemporary twin-engine widebodies.
The airline industry has also expressed interest in a more competitive aircraft. Sergei Alexandrovsky, the chief executive of Aeroflot, stated in June 2025 that the Il-96 was not a part of the carrier’s plans. He also emphasized the necessity of a new Russian long-haul aircraft with two engines, enhanced fuel efficiency, and competitive operating economics.
The PD-35 could therefore provide the propulsion technology needed to address one of the principal weaknesses of Russia’s current long-haul aircraft offering.
Il-96-400M Provides an Existing Development Platform
The Il-96-400M is an important part of this discussion. The aircraft’s inaugural flight was conducted officially on November 1, 2023, at the Voronezh Aircraft Production Association’s facilities.
For a two-class passenger layout, a maximum range of approximately 8,100 kilometres was announced. Its fuselage has been lengthened, and its passenger capacity is estimated to be around 370 passengers, dependent upon the configuration.
A maximum range of approximately 8,100 kilometers was announced for a two-class passenger configuration. Additionally, the aircraft was equipped with upgraded flight navigation and communication systems that were constructed from Russian components.
Nevertheless, the Il-96-400M continues to be a four-engine aircraft. This development does not imply that a twin-engine version is currently in progress.
Replacing four PS-90A1 engines with two substantially larger PD-35 units would require changes to the wing structure, engine mounting arrangements, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, and potentially the overall airframe design.
An additional factor to consider is that the effective thrust performance of the PD-35 demonstrator does not establish the operational characteristics, fuel consumption, or certification readiness of a production engine.
Engineering Challenges Could Delay the Twin-Engine Concept
The proposed configuration faces huge technical obstacles. Specialists in aviation engineering have contended that the conversion of the Il-96-400M from four PS-90A1 engines to two PD-35 engines would necessitate a new aircraft development program.
The aircraft’s structural design, systems, and overall configuration would be impacted by a change in the number and class of engines. The engineering challenges should not be underestimated, despite the fact that the concept is technically feasible in theory.
Certification is also an issue. A twin-engine widebody would be required to comply with the relevant airworthiness requirements, which include operational safety, flight characteristics, and engine-out performance.
Consequently, even if the PD-35 achieves its development objectives, integrating it into a commercial aircraft would require several additional years of engineering and testing.
Russia’s Future Long-Haul Aircraft Programme
UAC’s broader ambitions extend beyond simply installing new engines on an existing Il-96 airframe.
Badekha stated in an interview published on June 3, 2026, that the research and preliminary design stages of a potential Russian widebody long-haul aircraft were still ongoing. The corporation was in the process of finalizing the definition of technical requirements, with the PD-35 anticipated to be a critical component.
He predicted that the development of a new aircraft would require a minimum of seven to ten years. He also emphasized that the design of the aircraft would need to anticipate market demands when it eventually entered service, rather than merely replicating existing aircraft concepts.
The PD-35’s repeated achievement of 35-ton thrust is an important milestone, but the real test will be turning that engine technology into a certified, economically competitive powerplant. Regardless of whether it ultimately powers a twin-engine Il-96 or an entirely new Russian widebody, the future of the country’s long-haul commercial aviation industry could be determined by its development.