The Russian promising long-range aircraft Tu-454 with PD-26 engines may well become an export project. This was stated by aviation expert and editor-in-chief of Avia.ru portal Roman Gusarov, admitting the possibility of deliveries abroad and cooperation with other countries.
According to him, India may be the first to show interest in the aircraft. A scenario is also being discussed for the supply of Russian engines to China, which is developing its own wide-body aircraft.
Using a Russian engine with a Chinese fuselage is a perfectly workable scheme. This would give both countries the opportunity to expand technological cooperation.
The industry specialist clarified that the engine must first undergo a full cycle of tests at the Gromov Flight Research Institute, including take-off and cruising modes.
Further, on the basis of the PD-35, it is planned to develop a less powerful, but more economical PD-26. According to Gusarov, this is a technically complex system, including a gas generator, turbine and compressor in a single architecture.
Oleg Panteleev, Executive Director of the AviaPort analytical service, explained that the Tu-454 project may "not take off" if it is focused only on the domestic market.