Perm engine builders from the United Engine Corporation spoke about the key features of the PS-90A turbofan engine, which today provides flights for Russian passenger and cargo aircraft.
The power plant is assembled from 11 main modules. This architecture simplifies maintenance: if necessary, mechanics replace not the entire unit, but only the damaged block, which reduces aircraft downtime. The engine develops thrust up to 16 thousand kilogram-force and demonstrates a specific fuel consumption of 0.6 kg/kgf·h in cruise mode. Thanks to these indicators, domestic airliners were able to compete with foreign counterparts in fuel efficiency for the first time.
In the design of the PS-90A, parts made of polymer composite materials were used for the first time in Russian practice - this reduced the weight of the units without loss of strength.
The engine is controlled by a digital electronic system, and the onboard complex monitors the technical condition in real time and transmits data to the crew. The unit remains operational in the temperature range from -47 °C to +45 °C, which allows it to be operated in any climatic zone.
Under the leadership of General Designer Alexander Inozemtsev, Perm specialists developed several targeted modifications. The PS-90A-76 version is adapted for Il-76 transporters. The PS-90A-1 variant is installed on wide-body Il-96-300 and Il-96-400, including aircraft of the special flight detachment "Russia". The PS-90A-2 modification, designed for Tu-204 and Tu-214, received reinforced components: the engine's reliability almost doubled, and the life cycle cost decreased by 40%.
