MOSCOW, October 31. /TASS/. Prototypes of the latest engine codenamed Izdeliye RF for the next-generation strategic missile-carrying bomber PAK DA have undergone bench tests, a source in the domestic defense industry told TASS on Monday.
"Several engine prototypes have already undergone a part of bench tests. The trials continue now. Their results will indicate whether the engine confirms its designed characteristics," the source said.
A special test bench has been prepared for the Izdeliye RF. The UEC-Kuznetsov Company (part of the United Engine Corporation within the state tech corporation Rostec) is making preparations for the engine production, the source said.
UEC-Kuznetsov Deputy CEO - Managing Director Alexey Sobolev announced in late 2020 that work was underway to assemble the first engine for the next-generation strategic bomber PAK-DA.
Russia’s new strategic bomber
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexey Krivoruchko told the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper in December 2019 that the conceptual design of the PAK DA aircraft had been approved and the Tupolev Aircraft Company had begun developing its working design documentation.
The Prospective Aviation Complex of Long-Range Aviation (abbreviated as PAK DA in Russian) has its design based on the "flying wing" scheme. The next-generation bomber will feature technologies and materials that reduce its radar signature. The aircraft will be capable of carrying existing and future strategic cruise missiles, precision bombs and hypersonic weapons and will be outfitted with the latest communications and electronic warfare systems. The bomber will fly at a subsonic speed.