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.

 

[Yasar_TR]

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!”

Russians keep saying their engines are ready to be serially produced. But still use AL41-F1S engines on SU57s.

check out these latest photos.

Russians showed this engine in a recent air show as the izdeliye117S. The nozzle had serrated edges.

Then Russians were testing an engine recently on a SU57 with an AL41 fitted on the other engine housing.

Then there is this engine as izdeliye30. It looks like a 2D TVC copy of P&W F119 nozzle design. Testing being done with an AL41 in the second engine housing.

India ended their partnership with them. They have not added much on to what they inherited from the Soviets. Now they are offering izdeliye117S to India with full TOT.
These engines have not yet proven themselves as stealthy. Nor have they proven themselves as flightworthy.
Su57 seems to be one of the biggest flops Russians have mustered.

I would like to read @Nilgiri ’s take on these two engines and his views on the offer Russia has made to bring India back to their fold via the engine route.

 

[Iskander]

Russians keep saying their engines are ready to be serially produced. But they still use AL41-F1S engines on their SU57s.

check out these latest photos.

They showed this engine in a recent air show as the izdeliye117S. The nozzle had serrated edges.


View attachment 79275

Then they were testing an engine recently on a SU57 with an AL41 fitted on the other engine housing.

View attachment 79276

Then there is this engine as izdeliye30. It looks like a 2D TVC copy of P&W F119 nozzle design. Testing being done with an AL41 in the second engine housing.

View attachment 79277

India ended their partnership with them. They have not added much on to what they inherited from the Soviets. Now they are offering izdeliye117S to India with full TOT.
These engines have not yet proven themselves as stealthy. Nor have they proven themselves as flightworthy.
Su57 seems to be one of the biggest flops Russians have mustered.

I would like to read @Nilgiri ’s take on these two engines and his views on the offer Russia has made to bring India back to their fold via the engine route.

The Russians often make many claims without any basis.
Let's say that Russians claimed that they had been building communism for 70 years.
Russians are supposedly leading us all to communism🫢
Russians deceived the whole world, including themselves.
That is, deception at the state level, and at the same time everyone understood that it was a lie.
This is the usual state of Russian society.

Russians have been talking nonsense about AL51F1 for only 7 years, which is not such a long time
The first flight with this engine took place even 9 (!) years ago.
first run - in 2016!!!
Russians have been saying for 10 years that they have invented an engine that has no analogues in the world. Russians can lie for another 10 years.

Russians deceived the Indians and attracted them to the project, and only after 10 years the Indians realized that the Russians had deceived them and left the project.

I've been following the "development" of the AL51F1 for 10 years, and the SU 57 since the last century🫢


Here's an article about the first flight with the "Izdeliye177" engine.
Although the author pretends everything is going according to plan, the comments are filled with outrage.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://en.topwar.ru/275453-pervyj-polet-istrebitelja-su-57-s-dvigatelem-izdelie-177-proshel-shtatno.html&ved=2ahUKEwiTgNvivc-SAxX9T0EAHSXXFSo4FBAWegQIWxAB&usg=AOvVaw1xGklNlwOptiFxSxzyAEHr

 

[mehmed beg]

One thing Russians have going on for them, it is the usage of SU57 ,at least a bit close to the Ukrainian air space, they can validate a lot of the things with that. I think that they should risk to push it a bit further. Combat experience is still the best way to qualify and quantity the aircraft.
I think that 177s is still pretty decent engine, maybe not on 5th generation level but it increases a life span of the Russian engines, improves the maintenance, saves a bit of fuel and increase power
I don't think that Russians needed to copy F22 TVC, they have had that technology for over 20 years. In sense, 2D TVC is regression of of the original 3D TVC.

 

[Iskander]

One thing Russians have going on for them, it is the usage of SU57 ,at least a bit close to the Ukrainian air space, they can validate a lot of the things with that. I think that they should risk to push it a bit further. Combat experience is still the best way to qualify and quantity the aircraft.
I think that 177s is still pretty decent engine, maybe not on 5th generation level but it increases a life span of the Russian engines, improves the maintenance, saves a bit of fuel and increase power
I don't think that Russians needed to copy F22 TVC, they have had that technology for over 20 years. In sense, 2D TVC is regression of of the original 3D TVC.

Russian military aircraft haven't flown over Ukraine for over three years.
Only once did a Russian Okhotnik-70 drone go out of control, and an Su-57 aircraft flew several dozen kilometers into Ukrainian airspace to shoot it down.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DZMrhVIhg2FA&ved=2ahUKEwi-66Pcw8-SAxX5if0HHefAMBQQwqsBegQIEBAB&usg=AOvVaw3EDI-Pw55K8u4-kYp_RGXd