Published: 7/24/1998

The Ukraine's ZMKB Progress engine developer announced at the Engines'98 exhibition that the 7500kgf D-436 engine, intended for installation on the Tupolev Tu-334 airliner and the Beriev Be-200 amphibian aircraft, has covered 65% of the requirements to type certification. The process is expected to be completed in the middle of next year. Initially, the TBO will be set at 1000 hours, and lifetime until withdrawal at 4000 hours. The manufacturer will provide a three-year guaranteed lifetime. In the future, the D-436 will be operated "on condition". Currently, the ZMKB Progress and Motor-SICh production factory are working on a special model for the Tu-134M, a retrofitted version of the Tu-134A airliner. This version will differ in having GS18MO power generation units, so as to preserve the current Tu-134A's electrical chains "as is". As of today, eleven pre-series D-436s have been assembled. Two of them have been delivered to IAPO, Irkut Aircraft Production Association, which is currently finalising electrical and functional tests on the Be-200 first prototype which may have its maiden flight in August. Also, two D-436 engines have been shipped to the aircraft production factory in Kiev for installation on the first series-built Tu-334. In the meantime, acute financial difficulties at Tupolev have resulted in a further delay for the Tu-334's maiden flight. The prototype, built almost five years ago, has recently had electrical and functional tests, and is in a high degree of readiness and could be flown within a month -provided financial resources for it are found.(IN798.6) (VK)  

Article ID: 212