MOSCOW - During a visit to the United Engine Corporation’s Kuznetsov facility in Samara, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the urgent need to accelerate the development and serial production of the new Aviadvigatel PD-26 engine. Putin noted the PD-26's importance in both military transport and the future of Russia's civil aviation sector. He pointed out that this high-thrust engine - the first of its kind developed domestically - will not only modernize aviation infrastructure but also support the creation of a new generation of widebody airliners, such as those recently proposed to rival aircraft like the Boeing 787.

The PD-26 is expected to be a derivative of the PD-35, which itself is part of a growing family of Russian-made engines including the PD-14 and PD-8, designed for aircraft like the MC-21 and SJ-100. Putin’s remarks come amid a broader push for technological self-reliance through import substitution, especially in aerospace systems previously sourced from foreign suppliers.

During the meeting, he was also briefed on milestones such as the certification of the PD-14 and the first flight of a Russian Ansat helicopter equipped with a domestic Klimov VK-650V engine.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/aerospace/putin-urges-quick-development-of-proposed-pd-26-widebody-engine/164462.article

CINCINNATI, Ohio - GE Aerospace has named Craig Higgins as Chief Mechanic and Architect for Open Fan technology, prioritizing the producibility, durability and maintainability of next-generation engine designs still in development.

In the newly created role, Higgins will lead strategies for a simple, lightweight engine concept that emphasizes durability by leveraging the CFM RISE program’s advanced technologies, architectures and materials. This includes working with technicians and other experts across GE Aerospace’s global assembly and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) shops to incorporate the latest techniques for enabling more on-wing repairs and part replacements.

Higgins has more than 40 years’ experience in the aerospace industry, joining GE Aerospace in 1997 as a design engineer. In his most recent role, he was a consulting engineer for the RISE program.

Unveiled in 2021, the CFM RISE program is one of the aviation industry’s most comprehensive technology demonstrators with more than 350 tests and more than 3,000 cycles of endurance tests completed to date, including tests on advanced engine architectures like Open Fan, compact core and hybrid electric systems. The RISE program targets more than 20% better fuel burn compared to commercial engines in service today.

Source: GE Aerospace
Associated URL: https://www.geaerospace.com/news/press-releases/ge-aerospace-names-chief-mechanic-open-fan

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Pratt & Whitney has received an $18 million TF33 engine sustainment contract from the NATO Support Procurement Agency (NSPA). Under this contract, Pratt & Whitney will provide comprehensive engine sustainment services for NATO's fleet of airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, also known as the E-3 Sentry.

"NATO's TF33-powered E-3s have played a pivotal role supporting air, ground and maritime operations for over 40 years, providing its 32 member nations with air surveillance, real-time situational awareness and battle management," said Jessica Villardi, vice president of Fighter and Mobility Programs at Pratt & Whitney. "Our integrated engine sustainment approach will help maximize fleet readiness for years to come."

Pratt & Whitney will provide a materials management program to include part forecasting, procurement and technical support. The contract duration is for three years, with an option to extend it for an additional two years.

Work on this contract will be conducted at several locations, including the Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, depots in Turkey and Greece, and Pratt & Whitney's East Hartford, Conn. facility.

Source: Pratt & Whitney