The market for super-powerful civilian aircraft engines is currently controlled by several companies from the USA and Europe. Russia is trying to re-enter this class with the PD-35 project.
"Pervy Tekhnichesky" has compiled a list of the world's most powerful civilian aircraft engines – from the "younger" heavyweights to absolute record holders.
5. PD-35 (Russia)
The PD-35 was initially conceived as an engine with a thrust of about 35 tons for a new promising wide-body aircraft.
The unit can also become the basis for a family of engines with a thrust of 24–28 tons for transport aviation.
4. Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 (Great Britain)
The British Trent XWB-97 for the Airbus A350-1000 develops a thrust of about 43.9 tons. A key feature is its three-shaft design.
It distinguishes Rolls-Royce from its competitors and provides very high efficiency at different operating modes, being considered a benchmark for fuel economy in its class.
3. GE90-110B (USA)
The GE90-110B delivers about 51.3 tons of thrust and was installed on rare versions of the Boeing 777, including the 777-200LR model.
This is part of the GE90 family, which became the foundation for General Electric's entire line of super-powerful engines, albeit a rather niche one.
2. GE90-115B (USA)
The GE90-115B is the most widespread and recognizable giant of the series, installed on the Boeing 777-300ER. Its thrust is 52.2 tons in serial mode, which for a long time was considered the absolute maximum for civil aviation.
However, today it is inferior to newer developments in terms of technological level and efficiency, although in terms of reliability it remains one of the most proven engines in history.
1. GE9X (USA)
The GE9X for the Boeing 777X is the most powerful serial aircraft engine of the new generation. Its maximum thrust is estimated at about 49.4 tons, and during tests, the engine showed up to 60.8 tons in extreme modes.
The bypass ratio is about 12:1. This is a record for civil aviation and a key factor in its high efficiency.
The global market for super-powerful aircraft engines remains closed. The USA dominates in thrust and technology, while Great Britain maintains leadership in efficiency.
The PD-35 is not yet a serial product and is in the zone of technological reserve, but the very fact of its development shows Russia's attempt to return to the segment of heavy civilian engines.
