Published: 4/24/1998

Novikov expects that several thousand units of the RD-600 turboshaft and TVD-1500 turboprop engines, in 1200-1500hp class, will be sold by the year 2015. They will power 350-400 aircraft, such as the Kamov Ka-60 and Ka-62 helicopters, the Aviaspetstrans Yamal amphibian aircraft and the Sukhoi S-80 STOL commuter aircraft. The main production line will be set at Rybinsk, but some essential components will be supplied by MPP Salyut of Moscow. Novikov confirmed that the compressor for the RD-600/TVD-1500 will be manufactured by MPP Salyut. He announced that in March the first prototype of Kamov Ka-60 helicopter received permission for first flight, which will also be a 'first' for the RD-600. In all, Rybinsk Motors is currently funding 30 various research and development projects. Last year, the enterprise invested Rbs120b into R&D work and plans to invest another Rbs270b (at 1997 prices) this year. Novikov says that the D-30 engine, which is the major product for the company today, will remain in service at least until 2015. Current production model of the D-30KU complies with the latest international requirements on noise and emission levels. Novikov said Rybinsk Motors engineers continue working on new D-30 models, featuring lower noise and better fuel efficiency. Four examples of improved D-30KU engines have logged over 3000 hours on-wing, showing a 4.5% reduction in the fuel burn. Except for the new models for the Tu-154 airliner, Rybinsk Motors is also working on D-30KP series 2 engines for the Il-76 freighter. "We are fully committed to make the D-30 more economical in operation and 100% compliant to the latest international requirements", Novikov said. Among new R&D projects, he mentioned an engine for future unmanned air vehicles, turbines for combat ships with output of 7,000hp, 14,000hp and 28,000hp, and 80hp and 150hp diesels. (VK) (IN498.1)  

Article ID: 137