Alternative engine option emerges for PAK-DA
An engine that would have powered a long-cancelled Russian supersonic tactical bomber has emerged as a potential alternative to a proposal based on the NK-321, but how realistic is this prospect?
A new possibility emerged at the Army 2020 exhibition in Moscow in August as to the powerplant for the prospective Tupolev PAK-DA strategic bomber.
Soyuz Aero-Engine Scientific and Technical Complex shed light on a prototype of the R119-300 engine, which has a maximum afterburner thrust of 19,800kgf and a cruising thrust of 11,100kgf.
R119-300 is nothing new in itself; in fact, it was designed for the Sukhoi-T60S supersonic tactical bomber, which was cancelled in the 1990s.
However, it is noteworthy that the engine specifications are lower than those of the existing NK-321 engine used on the Tu-160 bomber (25,000kgf maximum
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Navy Next-Generation Jammer approaches full-rate production]()
US Navy Next-Generation Jammer approaches full-rate production
Raytheon is currently finalising the production of NGJ-MB lot 5 while working with the US Navy on contract requirements over multiple years.
-
![Australian Army aviation veers heavily towards the US]()
Australian Army aviation veers heavily towards the US
Sikorsky’s UH-60M Black Hawk and Boeing’s AH-46 Apache will soon form the bedrock of the Australian Army’s rotorcraft capabilities, as the army awaits further delivery of both types.
-
![Lockheed Martin “bullish” on future of its F-16 programme]()
Lockheed Martin “bullish” on future of its F-16 programme
The company foresees demand for around 300 Block 70/72 F-16s from customers across the globe and is targeting around a 23 to 26 aircraft delivery total for 2025.
-
![Boeing secures $569 million contract to support Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail]()
Boeing secures $569 million contract to support Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail
The fleet of six E-7A Wedgetail aircraft is based at RAAF Base Williamtown and will reportedly support up to 170 jobs in the region.
-
![Anduril to supply loitering munitions to Ukraine with UK funding]()
Anduril to supply loitering munitions to Ukraine with UK funding
Since July 2024, the UK Government has provided more than £5.26 billion in support to Ukraine, including £3 billion in annual military aid and a £2.26 billion loan for defence spending. The latest deal will see Anduril supply Altius-600M and Altius-700M loitering munitions.
