Engine maker benefits from good Sukhoi orderbook and is optimistic about the future

Published: 9/16/1999

In a report in Finmarket, Vladimir Suralev, Deputy General Director of MMPP Salyut, stated that the company is about to sign a contract with an undisclosed country for Al-31F engines as part of a purchase of Sukhoi fighters. It seems likely that the order is from China, for engines for its Su-30s. The desire for anonymity is consistent with unease at the publicity surrounding previous releases on this purchase. The Al-31F is produced jointly for export by the Ufa Engine Manufacturing Plant and Salyut on a 50:50 basis. It is also reported that Salyut has completed the preparation for its 30% share in the production of the D-436 engine for the Tu-334 and Be-200 and expects to start production during 2000. The plant is also preparing for its part in the production of the An-70 power plant, the ZMKB Progress/Ivchenko D-27 although, as with other suppliers, it awaits the funding for both the major project and the engine before serial production can begin. Along with other Russian producers, Salyut will be participating in the production of AL-41F for the new generation of fighters and is providing financial support for the development of AO A.Lyulka-Saturn engine AL-55 for the trainers and light fighters, Yak-130 and Yak-131. Salyut estimates the market for the D-436, AL-55, AL-41F and D-47 to be more than 10,000 engines, suggesting a potential value of $10 billion from sales and additional revenue from the maintenance market. Given that Salyut exported $100m worth of engines in 1998 and expects a higher figure in 1999, this projection looks aggressive. This is particularly so, given the low orders as yet for many of the aircraft with the engines and the increasingly delayed timescale for the introduction of the new generation of fighters. The An-70 seems most likely to succeed, but there are still no certainties for engine manufacturers currently dependent on repair business.

Article ID: 867