The Russian PD-35 engine and the Chinese AECC CJ-2000 are vying for the same niche – high-thrust engines for prospective wide-body aircraft. Both have reached the threshold of approximately 35 tons, but are at different stages of refinement.
"Pervy Tekhnichesky" examines how the domestic powerplant compares to its closest competitor.
Thrust
During demonstrator tests, the PD-35 repeatedly reached takeoff thrust exceeding 35 tons. The first stage included over 50 launches. Currently, ODC is testing the service life and performance of new materials in the compressor and turbine.
The CJ-2000 showed 35.2 tons in ground tests. This means that in terms of the main parameter, both engines are practically in the same class – a draw.
Fuel Efficiency
The PD-35 is designed with a high bypass ratio – about 11:1. This is one of the main ways to reduce fuel consumption in a high-thrust engine.
The CJ-2000 is claimed to have an even higher bypass ratio – about 12:1. However, there is currently insufficient public data on the actual specific fuel consumption of both engines, confirmed by long-term operation. Therefore, comparing them based on promotional calculations would be incorrect – a draw.
Technologies
Here, the previous advantage of the PD-35 cannot be given up. The Russian engine indeed receives composite wide-chord fan blades, new hot section materials, and additive parts. ODC also claims more than 20 new critical technologies in the project.
But the CJ-2000 is also being created with extensive use of composites, including the fan and casing. Therefore, the mere fact of using a composite blade no longer gives the Russian engine an automatic advantage – it is difficult to identify a winner.
Readiness
But here comes the main difference. The PD-35 remains a technology demonstrator engine for now. The first stage of bench tests has been completed with more than 50 launches, and now ODC has moved on to testing new materials and the service life of key components.
The Chinese claim that the CJ-2000 has successfully passed a more extensive test cycle. In particular, the engine was tested in high-altitude conditions and withstood 3000 hours of endurance tests. This data suggests an advantage for the CJ-2000 compared to its competitors.
For which aircraft
Both projects were initially created for one major task – to provide an engine for a new generation of long-haul wide-body aircraft.
The CJ-2000 is now directly associated with the Chinese C929, while the PD-35 is considered the basis of the Russian family of high-thrust engines for prospective wide-body aircraft.
By purpose, the engines are practically direct competitors – a draw.
Final score – 1:0 in favor of CJ-2000, with four draws.
In terms of thrust – almost parity: over 35 tons versus 35.2 tons. In terms of declared architecture and technological solutions, both engines belong to the same generation: high bypass ratio, composites, and new materials.
The main difference now is the degree of readiness. The PD-35 has successfully confirmed its calculated thrust, but is still undergoing endurance refinement. The CJ-2000, according to published Chinese data, has advanced further in its test program.