MOSCOW. Dec 8 (Interfax-AVN) - The fist AL-55 aircraft engine, designed by the Saturn Research and Production Association, will be built in about a year and a half after the contract with India is signed, Saturn Director General Yury Lastochkin told Interfax-Military News Agency on Wednesday.
"At the present time the Rosoboronexport state-owned company is preparing a contract on developing, manufacturing, and delivering to India AL-55 aircraft engines," Lastochkin said.
According to him, the contract is likely to be signed in the next few months.Lastochkin noted that the new engine to be mounted on light trainers and light combat aircraft was developed in compliance with requirement specifications of the Indian side.
According to experts, the development of the engine will cost in excess of $100 million.
India was reported to have conducted a tender of engines for the HJT-36 trainer this spring, with the victory secured by Saturn's AL-55.
The AL-55 has a maximum thrust of 2,200 kg, a specific fuel consumption of 0.71 kg/kgf*h, and a weight of 355 kg.