MOSCOW. May 23 (Interfax-AVN) - Chinese experts are interested in Russian aircraft engines that may be used to power their own UAVs, a source in the Russian defense industry told Interfax-Military News Agency on Monday.
"During visits of Chinese delegations to Russian defense industry enterprises, Chinese experts are expressing interest in jet engines of relatively low capacity, which can be installed in UAVs of various purpose," the source said.
Among the requirements for the engines are stable performance at high altitude and jet propulsion, he said.
"Chinese specialists are interested in engines with a thrust of 1,500 kg and higher. Such engines are developed by the Soyuz machine-building design bureau located in Tushino (a district of Moscow - Interfax-AVN). These are RD-1700 and RD-2500 engines," the source noted.
According to him, China is ready to buy ready-made RD-1700 engines.
"Soyuz specialists say that high-altitude varieties of RD-1700 or RD-2500 engines with an enhanced thrust and very low specific fuel consumption may be suitable for UAVs," he stressed.
According to unofficial reports, Russian aircraft engine-building specialists have held several meetings with Chinese colleagues and got to know Chinese designers' requirements to an aircraft engine for their UAV.
The RD-1700 engine designed by the Soyuz bureau is intended for powering light combat trainers and training planes. Its maximal thrust is 1,700 kg, general service life is 6,000 hours, and service life of the "hot parts" is 4,000 hours.