Rosoboronexport offered to modernize 80 Indian Su-30MKI fighters by installing the AL-41F-1S engine on them. However, New Delhi rejected this engine, deciding to keep the current AL-31FP engine. This is according to Bulgarian Military in the article "India's Decision Worries Rosoboronexport: No to AL-41F-1S Engine for Su-30MKI."
The AL-31FP installed on the Su-30MKI is a turbofan engine with an afterburner. The unit was developed by the Russian company Saturn. The engine is a modification of the AL-31F. It develops a maximum thrust of 12,500 kgf in afterburner mode.
The AL-31FP operates optimally at altitudes up to 20,000 m and has a maximum rotor speed of 12,750 rpm. The AL-41F-1S was developed for Su-35 fighters. It is an advanced turbofan engine with an afterburner that provides a maximum thrust of 14,500 kgf in afterburner mode.
The advantage of the AL-41F-1S is obvious: its fuel efficiency is 13% higher than that of the AL-31FP. This means that the Su-30 will be able to fly longer distances without additional fuel consumption.
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