Breakthrough sciences and technologies

The first hovering flight was performed by the Russian modernized Mi-34M1 helicopter, equipped with a VK-650V turboshaft engine manufactured by UEC-Klimov. The Mi-34M1 helicopter is a modernized version of the light helicopter of the Mi-34S family, equipped with piston engines. Serial production of the VK-650V engine, designed for Russian multi-purpose and special helicopters with a takeoff weight of up to 4 tons, is planned to be launched in 2025. A new gearbox was also tested on the helicopter. It is believed that the helicopter will compete with the most popular family of GA helicopters in the world, Robinson.

A spectacular video of the Lynx robot-dog hybrid with a wheeled chassis moving quickly across rough terrain was shown by the Chinese company Deep robotics. Note how fast the four-legged robot moves through the forest. When such a robot is equipped with a payload, in the form of cameras or weapons, it is possible to quickly and effectively conduct reconnaissance of the area or other operations. Most people do not take this seriously yet, but military robots of this type will be used in the near future. In China, a group operation of military robot dogs was recently shown.

At the Torbeevo airfield in the Moscow region, a new Russian light-engine aircraft Tango, developed by S7 Group in a year and a half, was presented. The Tango aircraft is ideal for training civil aviation pilots and for private flights. The aircraft is reported to be made of Russian composite materials. Previously, the aircraft was equipped with a Belgian UL Power 520is engine, now a Russian engine is installed, but its model is not reported. It is noted that the Russian engine can be installed on other aircraft models. According to testers, the key advantage of the Tango aircraft is the ability to fly at a speed of 80 km / h and even 65 km / h in a takeoff configuration. The maximum takeoff weight of the S7 Tango aircraft is 1,150 kg, the maximum flight range is 1,100 km, the aircraft is capable of transporting 4 people at a speed of up to 245 km / h. The takeoff and landing distance of the aircraft is 550 meters.

The prototype of the Russian unmanned mainline truck L5 was presented by Navio in Moscow. Navio is the former SberAutoTech, since 2020 it has been developing autonomous driving technologies and other products with artificial intelligence. The prototype of the L5 truck was initially designed by Navio to be fully autonomous. In terms of autonomy, the truck corresponds to the L5 level, which is full automation. The truck has a machine vision system, which includes several cameras, radars and LiDAR sensors. Instead of a windshield, the L5 unmanned vehicle has a huge screen. It is needed to display various information: duplicating turn signals, indicating the speed of movement, etc. The unmanned truck is capable of saving up to 15% of fuel and reducing the cost of transporting goods by up to 30%. Cargo with the L5 truck will be delivered faster, since the unmanned vehicle does not need to stop for rest and can work around the clock. In September, Navio, together with KamAZ, for the first time released Russian trucks without a person in the driver's seat on the M-11 Neva highway.

The prototype of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 passenger airliner took to the air for the first time with Russian PD-8 engines. Testing of the SJ-100 aircraft began in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The aircraft was in the air for about 40 minutes, reaching an altitude of 3 thousand meters, developing a speed of up to 500 km / h. The PD-8 power plants demonstrated stable operation in constant and variable modes. An assessment of the gas-dynamic stability of the engines was carried out. The project with PD-8 engines is being implemented in a very tight time frame by the standards of the global aircraft industry. After 2022, the Superjet 100 will have to be essentially reassembled. As part of import substitution, about 40% of imported systems and units are being replaced in the Russian SJ-100 aircraft. The aircraft also received a Russian fuselage, which was modified to simplify the production and maintenance of the aircraft. By the end of this month, UAC will receive two more PD-8 engines for flight tests. Obtaining a certificate for the PD-8 engine is planned for the fall of this year.

The third Russian experimental aircraft Il-114-300 has joined the flight test program. The Il-114-300 aircraft consists of Russian units and systems, it is equipped with Russian TV7-117ST-01 engines manufactured by UEC-Klimov. The power plant was certified in December 2022 and surpasses foreign analogues in technical characteristics. The aircraft's first flight lasted 30 minutes. According to the task, the aircraft performed a paired pass over the runway at an altitude of 100 meters. The Il-114-300 aircraft will replace the An-24 aircraft and foreign aircraft on local airlines. The Il-114-300 will be able to operate autonomously from relatively small airfields with both concrete and unpaved surfaces. In addition, it is supposed to be used in the Arctic regions. According to the plans for the delivery of the Il-114-300, up to 100 aircraft are to be delivered by 2030. The Il-114-300 can carry up to 68 passengers over a distance of up to 1900 km at a speed of up to 500 km/h. The crew is 2 people. The cost of the Il-114-300 is about 19 million dollars.

The prototype of the Russian passenger airliner Superjet 100 with PD-8 engines reached a maximum flight altitude of 11,300 meters and a flight speed of 955 km/h. During the test flight, the pilots showed the instrument panel of the Sukhoi Superjet 100. The plane was in the air for 3 hours and 13 minutes. During the flight, the gas-dynamic stability of the engines was checked at altitudes of 3,000, 7,600, 9,000 and 11,300 meters. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 airliner can carry from 87 to 108 passengers over a range of 3,050 or 4,600 km. The approximate price of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 is from 39 to 50 million dollars, depending on the configuration.

The Russian experimental medium-haul aircraft MS-21-310 with the PD-14 engine and import-substituted components made its first flight over Irkutsk. PD-14 is the first new-generation aircraft turbofan engine created in modern Russia. The operation of the PD-14 engine is shown in the link to the video in the comments to the video. The passenger aircraft MS-21 took off from the airfield of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. The flight lasted 1 hour 15 minutes, the airliner climbed to an altitude of 3,000 meters and developed a speed of 580 km / h. Two modified experimental aircraft MS-21 are taking part in flight tests under the import substitution program. The MS-21 aircraft is a Russian medium-haul airliner developed by the Yakovlev Corporation to compete with the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft. Russian analogues have not replaced all foreign systems of the aircraft. The airliner received a Russian onboard electronics complex, including switches, computers, navigation systems, an auxiliary power unit, pressure and air conditioning control devices, lighting devices, and aircraft system consoles. Russian components were also included in the power supply equipment, hydraulic systems, and chassis. The MS-21-310 aircraft can carry from 163 to 211 passengers at a speed of up to 870 km/h. The flight range is about 5,100 km, and can be increased. Serial production of the MS-21 is planned to begin in 2026.

The world's first boxing match between humanoid robots took place in China. The MMA-style fight took place on May 25, 2025, as part of the CMG World Robot Competition. In the boxing ring were Chinese G1 robots created by Unitree. The robots were controlled by four teams of operators using remote controls. The boxing match allowed testing various functions of the robots, including their ability to quickly get back on their feet after a fall. The developers position Unitree G1-Comp as a durable and long-lasting robot, the body of which is covered with aluminum alloy in combination with high-strength structural plastics. The Unitree G1 robot is versatile, it weighs about 35 kg, is about 130 cm tall, and can be used in various conditions. The battery of the G1 robot lasts up to 2 hours and can be quickly replaced if necessary. The cost of the Unitree G1 robot is more than 16 thousand dollars. The robots had nine different fighting techniques in their arsenal. The criterion for losing the fight was if the robot fell and could not get up within the allotted time.

At the international forum "Drone Expo 2025", footage of the first Russian heavy fire drone KVV-1, developed by the concern "Radioelectronic Technologies", was published. The KVV-1 drone weighs 85 kg and is capable of carrying the same payload. The drone is connected to a fire engine through a hose and delivers water or a mixture to a height of up to 150 meters. The drone's operating time is up to 25 minutes from batteries or up to 72 hours when connected to a power source via a cable. Serial production of drones is planned to begin in 2026.

In Kazan, the fully import-substituted multipurpose Russian helicopter "Ansat" with Russian engines VK-650V took to the skies for the first time. The Ansat helicopter successfully completed its first flight, about 6 minutes, at a low altitude. The crew assessed the stability and controllability of the helicopter. The operability of the equipment and main systems was also checked. The VK-650V engine allows the Ansat helicopter to fly without refueling for a distance of up to 660 km, and with an additional fuel tank - up to 800 km. Technical information about the VK-650V

Testing of the Il-114-300 regional passenger jet continues in Russia. Test flights are currently taking place in the Altai Republic at the Gorno-Altaisk Airport. It has been announced that one of the Il-114-300 prototypes has completed a series of international flights with a stopover at Krayniy Airport in Baikonur.
Testing in Altai allows for the evaluation of the maximum number of modes across several certification programs. Currently, the aircraft is being tested for navigation modes, primarily those related to flights in mountainous terrain, as well as for international flights and its operational capabilities at non-base and transit airfields.

The previously reported Russian multirole aircraft LMS-901 "Baikal" completed its maiden flight with a Russian-made VK-800SM engine and propeller. The LMS-901 "Baikal" is designed to replace the aging An-2 aircraft. The AV-901 propeller is equipped with a digital control system synchronized with the engine, ensuring maximum efficiency and fuel effectiveness. The VK-800 engine, with a power output of up to 870 hp, outperforms foreign counterparts in weight and fuel economy. Previously, a Czech engine was planned for the aircraft. The aircraft is adapted to harsh climates, allowing it to be used in the Arctic and Siberia. The VK-800SM engine has potential for modernization and can also be used on the L-410 and An-2 aircraft. The aircraft's cruising speed is up to 300 km/h. Its maximum range can reach 3,000 km, and with a payload of 2 tons, 1,500 km. The plane can carry up to 9 people.

Rostec announced that the new M105 piston engine for light aircraft has been developed in Russia. The United Engine Corporation (UEC) was responsible for the development of the M105 engine. The M105 engine is designed for light commercial aircraft, helicopters, and possibly heavy drones. It can be used to drive electric generators, pusher or tractor propellers, and to transmit the generated thrust. The M105 engine has the following specifications: 115 horsepower, a displacement of 1,211 cm³, and a piston stroke of 61 mm. Among the advantages of the M105 engine are its performance characteristics. The full specified service life is 2,000 hours, the time between overhauls is 750 hours, and the service life is 10 years. The engine is quite compact and weighs 75 kg.

Kazan Helicopters delivered four Mi-38PS helicopters to the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. The Mi-38PS search and rescue helicopter is designed for operations in the Arctic at temperatures down to -60°C. The Mi-38PS automatically checks all of its onboard systems, requiring the pilot to press only one button. The Mi-38PS significantly outperforms the Mi-8 in range, speed, and payload. With additional fuel tanks, it can fly up to 1,500 kilometers. The helicopter is equipped with a water discharge device and a suspended sprayer for extinguishing fires and eliminating oil spills. It also has a module with medical equipment and search and rescue equipment, including a radio beacon and a winch for evacuation. The Mi-38PS has a maximum takeoff weight of 16.5 tons and is capable of carrying up to 4.5 tons of cargo inside the cabin and 5 tons on an external sling, lifting up to 40 people, and reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. The helicopter has a crew of two.

Fly-by-Wire (#FBW) Vs Fly-by-Light (#FBL)
https://rbt-defense.blogspot.com/2026/03/fly-by-wire-fbw-vs-fly-by-light-fbl.html

Unmanned Russian KAMAZ-65119 dump trucks have begun testing at the Karansky granite quarry. Testing of unmanned KAMAZ-54901 long-haul trucks had previously begun; these trucks have been transporting cargo from St. Petersburg to Moscow for several years. The KAMAZ-65119 is equipped with advanced navigation and control systems designed to optimize logistics in mining operations. Current testing will evaluate the system's reliability in challenging geological conditions, with an emphasis on task accuracy and integration with the quarry's existing infrastructure. The KAMAZ 65119 is a versatile dump truck designed for transporting bulk and construction materials. The truck features a robust design, a fuel-efficient engine, and advanced safety systems. Detailed specifications are shown on the screen. The KAMAZ-65119 is equipped with a 340-horsepower engine and a ZF robotized 9-speed transmission. Dump truck carrying capacity: 17-19 tons.

Icing tests for Russian MS-21, SSJ-100, and Il-114 aircraft. Specialists from Russia's United Aircraft Corporation have completed a program of additional certification flight tests for the MS-21, Superjet 100, and Il-114-300 aircraft in natural icing conditions in the Arkhangelsk region. The aircraft flew in low temperatures and icing conditions.
Based on meteorological data, the crew searched for cloud cover, then entered it and, using specialized equipment, monitored for ice formation on the aircraft surfaces. Certification of the Russian SSJ-100, Il-114-300, and MS-21 aircraft is scheduled to be completed this year.

On April 30 at 9:00 PM, the new Russian medium-class launch vehicle, the Soyuz-5, launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Developed in partnership with Kazakhstan as part of the Baiterek project, the Soyuz-5 is the world's most powerful liquid-propellant rocket engine. The Soyuz-5 rocket is powered by an RD-171MV first-stage sustainer engine developed by Energomash and an RD0124MS second-stage engine developed by the Voronezh Chemical Automation Design Bureau. The Soyuz-5 rocket offers the following advantages: reduced payload launch costs, a twofold increase in payload mass and high launch accuracy, and the use of environmentally friendly propellants. The rocket can launch up to 17 tons of cargo into low-Earth orbit and up to 2.5 tons into geostationary orbit. The rocket uses naphthyl fuel and liquid oxygen as an oxidizer. The estimated cost of launching a payload into space is 300,000 rubles or $4,000 per kilogram.



Soyuz-5 Rocket Specifications

Launch weight: approximately 526–531 tons.
Length: 58.8–65.2 meters (depending on the payload fairing and upper stage configuration).
Board diameter: 4.1 meters.
Payload fairing diameter: 5.2 meters or 4.11 meters.
Engine configuration:
First stage: RD-171MV liquid-fueled engine with four combustion chambers, thrust: 800 tons;
Second stage: RD-0124MS liquid-fueled engine.
Propellant: naphthyl (fuel) + liquid oxygen (oxidizer).
The rocket's payload capacity for orbital launches is:
to low Earth orbit – up to 17 tons;
to sun-synchronous orbit – up to 9 tons;
to geostationary transfer orbit – up to 6 tons;
to geostationary orbit – up to 2.5 tons.

Additional features of the Soyuz-5 rocket:

The rocket's engine emergency protection system, which cyclically evaluates their condition with a cycle time of several milliseconds. If an emergency situation is detected, the system can shut down faulty engine chambers, preserving the ability to continue the flight.

The rocket's components can be transported by road, rail, and air. The first stage unit (35 m long, 4.1 m in diameter) can be transported by rail or an An-124 aircraft.