"The first prototype of the PAK FA aircraft’s second-stage engine is in the manufacturing stage. In accordance with the schedule, the date of completing the assembly and starting tests of the first prototype engine is October 2016," the spokesperson said at the Army-2016 military forum near Moscow.
Current T-50 prototypes are fitted with first-stage "izdeliye 117" turbofan engines from the Saturn aircraft engine manufacturer.
The second-stage engines are slated for production next year, ahead of the aircraft’s planned serial production and deliveries in 2018. The T-50, equipped with advanced avionics and all-digital flight systems, will become the first operational stealth aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
"Work on the conceptual and technical design of an engine for the PAK-DA will be completed in September," the spokesperson said at the Army-2016 military forum near Moscow.
The Russian Defense Ministry estimates that serial production of the upgraded strategic supersonic bomber fitted with the new engines will begin in 2023. It plans to buy at least 50 of the PAK-DA aircraft.
