The new Russian engine for operational-tactical aviation "Product 177" will be a compromise between the speed and range of combat fighters. The general designer of the A. Lyulka Design Bureau (part of the UEC), Evgeny Marchukov, spoke in more detail about the power plant.
He recalled that the engine thrust in afterburner mode is 16 tons. Such characteristics have already been confirmed by tests, now tests will begin on the resource of the power plant.
This means that the engine in the dimension of the AL-31F, which is on the Su-27 and Su-30, has 30% more thrust in afterburner and more than 40% in maximum mode. Can you imagine? In the same dimensions, but more thrust.
Marchukov added that the "Product 177" has a serious potential for modernization, there is a prospect of installing new components using ceramic materials.
The engine allows you to reduce the specific consumption in cruising mode, and by good values. That is, this is the range of the aircraft. That is, the compromise between range and speed is two contradictory requirements, but here it allows it.
In December 2025, the first flight on the Su-57 with "Product 177" took place. The machine was then lifted into the sky by Honored Test Pilot of Russia Roman Kondratyev. Moreover, in terms of its dimensions, the engine is also suitable for the promising Su-75 Checkmate, which should begin testing in 2026.
