MOSCOW, January 24 (AVN) - The AL-55 aviation engine being developed by Lyulka-Saturn JC will serve as the basis for an entire family of aviation engines, the copmpany Constructor-General Mikhail Goikhenberg said on Monday.
AL-55 with the thrust of 2,200 kg is intended for use in new MIG-AT and YAK-130 tester planes, as well as light fighters and attack planes, Goikhenberg told the Military News Agency. Besides, it can serve as a basis for AL-55T and AL-55TD engines which can be used in passenger and transport planes with the thrust of nine to 12 tons.
The basic engine will begin bench tests in May 2001, Goikhenberg said. Four months later, its flight tests will start. The engine can be equipped with a thrust vector control system, he added.
Development of the new engine is partially financed by Moscow's Salyut machine-building plant which effects serial production of AL-31F engines. The cost of research and design works is likely to make USD50-70m.
The new engine will cost about USD500,000-800,000. At least 1,000 engines will be built.