More on the “second phase” engine saga . . . managing director of NPO Saturn, Ilya Fedorov has told ITAR-TASS development of the so-called “second phase” engine for the PAK FA is running ahead of schedule.
The completion of R&D [ОКР] and provision of the engine to Sukhoy and the Defense Ministry is planned for 2015. Fedorov says:
“NPO Saturn entities and cooperating structures are now working on a rough draft of the engine. Everything’s been agreed. Work’s being conducted in Moscow, Rybinsk, and in other places. We have firm certainty that the second phase engine will be done earlier than everyone expects.”
“Work on the future engine model is in a very advanced stage . . . .”
Fedorov adds it wouldn’t be profitable to drag out development and continue putting out “first phase” engines which are being used on the T-50 test aircraft.
What’d we learn?
Fedorov emphasized what’s out there now is definitely still “first phase.” The “second phase” team is working from a “rough,” but agreed draft, and there’s advanced work on the model. One supposes that’s possible. Finally, Fedorov says he’s ahead of schedule, but makes no big promises, and the story emphasizes that the delivery plan is 2015.
Russian Defense Policy 