Russia Aircraft and Aerospace Programs

[Soldier30]

Pilots of Russia's Northern Fleet shared rare footage of Su-24M bombers refueling in mid-air. During a routine flight shift, the crews of Su-24M frontline bombers practiced one of the most challenging aspects of pilot training: aerial refueling. Operating in designated areas, the Su-24Ms approached and performed a contact docking with the refueling cones of an Il-78 tanker. The maneuvers were performed during the polar night, taking into account the challenging weather conditions of the Far North. Airborne refueling is one of the most challenging aspects of pilot training.

 

[Soldier30]

The Russian Su-57 fighter jet made its first flight with the fifth-generation "Izdeliye 177" engine. Cutting-edge technologies, materials, and innovative design solutions have enabled the creation of an engine with significantly improved performance compared to previous-generation power plants. The fifth-generation "Izdeliye 177" turbofan engine is designed for tactical aircraft. The "Izdeliye 177" engine produces up to 16,000 kgf of afterburning thrust and boasts a longer service life and improved fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation of engines. The Su-57 is constantly being modernized, and the aircraft is already being exported. A full-scale mockup of the Russian-made 177S aircraft engine was unveiled for the first time at the Dubai Airshow 2025 (link below).

Russian aircraft engine 177S

 

[TR_123456]

The Russian Su-57 fighter jet made its first flight with the fifth-generation "Izdeliye 177" engine. Cutting-edge technologies, materials, and innovative design solutions have enabled the creation of an engine with significantly improved performance compared to previous-generation power plants. The fifth-generation "Izdeliye 177" turbofan engine is designed for tactical aircraft. The "Izdeliye 177" engine produces up to 16,000 kgf of afterburning thrust and boasts a longer service life and improved fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation of engines. The Su-57 is constantly being modernized, and the aircraft is already being exported. A full-scale mockup of the Russian-made 177S aircraft engine was unveiled for the first time at the Dubai Airshow 2025 (link below).

Russian aircraft engine 177S

New?

 

[Soldier30]

The Russian Northern Fleet has received Mi-8MTV-5MM helicopters. The Mi-8MTV-5M helicopters completed a flight from the factory in Tatarstan to the Northern Fleet base. The crews covered over 2,500 kilometers, including several refueling stops. According to the pilots, the new autopilot system significantly simplifies piloting, including at night. Thanks to the powerful powerplants, starting has been simplified. The helicopter's cabin and equipment can now be warmed up without even starting the engines, a crucial feature in the North. The Mi-8MTV-5M helicopter is an improved version of the Mi-8MTV-5-1, which is in service with the Russian army. The basic version of the Mi-8 helicopter was introduced in 1961. It is the most widely produced twin-engine helicopter in the world.

 

[Soldier30]

New?

No

 

[Soldier30]

The United Aircraft Corporation delivered the seventh and final batch of new Su-35S multirole fighters to the Russian Aerospace Forces this year. The company reported that this year has been a record for combat aircraft production in Russia. The Su-35S is a 4++ generation fighter, requiring only 500 meters to recover from a spin.
The aircraft is equipped with an N035 Irbis-E passive phased array radar. The Irbis-E radar can detect targets with an effective reflective surface (ERS) of 3 m² at a range of up to 400 km. For example, Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missiles, with an RRS of approximately 0.5-0.7 m², can be detected at a range of approximately 250-300 km. Less visible American Tomahawk missiles with an image intensifier of 0.1-0.2 m² are detected at a distance of 150-200 km.

 

[Soldier30]

The Mi-34M1 light multirole helicopter, equipped with a Russian-made VK-650V engine, completed its maiden test flight. The VK-650V combines a modular design, high wear resistance, and a digital automatic control system that automates and optimizes its operation. The Mi-34M1 is a completely Russian development, designed to replace imported equivalents. It will fill a niche previously occupied by older Soviet-made helicopters and is also expected to compete with foreign light helicopters from Robinson, Bell, and Airbus. The Mi-34M1 is highly maneuverable and easy to pilot and maintain. The Mi-34M1 light multirole helicopter is designed for use in training, transportation, agriculture, monitoring, sports, firefighting, and other missions.

 

[Soldier30]

The Russian Air Force has received a batch of second-stage fifth-generation Su-57 fighters, according to some media reports. The new Su-57s are capable of being equipped with the second-stage AL-51F1 "article 30" engine. The batch is reportedly large, but its size is unknown. The fighters feature new onboard systems with expanded functionality, intelligent support, and the ability to use a wider range of weapons. The aircraft have been accepted by technical staff and have undergone a full cycle of factory testing. Footage of the first flights of the Algerian Air Force Su-57E is also included at the end of the video; the aircraft is easily recognizable by its engine sound. Algeria has officially confirmed the purchase of the Su-57E from Russia, becoming the first export customer for these aircraft.

 

[mehmed beg]

Mr Soldier, what is the difference between Izdelye 30 and 177S?

 

[Iskander]

You beat me to it. But I wanted to ask the same question to Jack, an American with a Russian flag. Two years ago, we discussed the Su-57 and the Izdeliye-30 here. I'd be very interested to hear his opinion on what exactly the Izdeliye-177 is.
It's a very interesting topic.

 

[Yasar_TR]

You beat me to it. But I wanted to ask the same question to Jack, an American with a Russian flag. Two years ago, we discussed the Su-57 and the Izdeliye-30 here. I'd be very interested to hear his opinion on what exactly the Izdeliye-177 is.
It's a very interesting topic.

I would like to be corrected if I am wrong. But as far as I know, Izdeliye 30 is the name of the main engine of the SU57 while it was being developed in to AL51-F1. (24000lbf dry and 38000lbf wet thrust). This engine is for Russian use only.

Izdeliye177S is basically the AL41-F1S engine using AL-51 technologies. (~21000lbf dry, 33000lbf wet thrust) This is the engine to be used in export version of SU57 and new SU35 jets.

If memory serves, AL51-F1 engine is the first engine Russians are serially producing that contains single crystal turbine blades.
Izdeliye177S too is supposed to have single crystal technology.

 

[Iskander]

I would like to be corrected if I am wrong. But as far as I know, Izdeliye 30 is the name of the main engine of the SU57 while it was being developed in to AL51-F1. (24000lbf dry and 38000lbf wet thrust). This engine is for Russian use only.

Izdeliye177S is basically the AL41-F1S engine using AL-51 technologies. (~21000lbf dry, 33000lbf wet thrust) This is the engine to be used in export version of SU57 and new SU35 jets.

If memory serves, AL51-F1 engine is the first engine Russians are serially producing that contains single crystal turbine blades.
Izdeliye177S too is supposed to have single crystal technology.

Yes, that's correct.

But there's one interesting nuance, albeit not entirely subtle. The fact is that the "AL51F1 engine, also known as 'Product 30,' is not yet ready. And there's not even a hint that it will be ready anytime soon!"

That's the thing.
In other words, the Russian Su-57 fighter doesn't have an engine! Just like the KAAN, I might add. The difference is that the AL41F1 is Russian, while the KAAN's is American.
Development of the AL51F1 began in 2001.
Product 177 is not a new engine, but a modified AL41F1.
As a reminder, development of the Su-57 began in the late 1990s. The prototype's maiden flight took place in 2010—16 years ago!

During these 16 years, 35-36 units were produced. Just today, a batch of three or four fighters was delivered from the factory to the troops.

Interestingly, India joined the Su-57 development program in 2008 but withdrew from the project in 2018 due to technical requirements.

Yesterday, a video from Algeria appeared online showing an Su-57 in flight. Apparently, Russia has sold two of the 12 aircraft ordered to a foreign customer for the first time.