СIAM to define propulsion system concept for supersonic passenger jet

The Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM, a part of the National Research Center “Zhukovsky Institute”) commenced working on the “Integrated Research and Technological Project of Development of Critical Technologies for Creation of Supersonic Civil Aircraft”.

The work is carried out in the context of a government contract, under which the National Research Center "Zhukovsky Institute" will develop a complex of technologies, a concept and a project of an integrated target program for the creation of a supersonic passenger jet in Russia.

The new supersonic civil aircraft should meet the most up-to-date and prospective requirements for reducing the harmful effects on the environment (sonic boom, harmful emissions, airport noise) and fuel effeciency.

It is the CIAM’s task in the integrated work to develop the configuration of the supersonic civil jet propulsion system and the technology of its creation. “CIAM must propose a concept and form a preliminary technical configuration of the propulsion system,” explains Director General of CIAM Mikhail Gordin. “Propulsion system configurations to be considered at this stage are of different sizes and time ranges, including a middle-range supersonic VIP business jet with the seating capacity of 12-15 passengers and the cruise speed of 1,8M with a view to increasing it up to 2.2M. Later on, as soon as we accumulate necessary design and technological experience, a shift towards formation of a supersonic passenger jet seating 50 and more passengers, with a cruise speed not less than 2,2M is assumed.”

The near-range aircraft engine is supposed to be created on the basis of the PD-14 engine core with a maximum level of technology continuity and unification of the existing modules.

Since the supersonic civil aircraft engine operates at maximum speed for more than 70% of the flight time, major modifications to the existing combustion chamber, turbine and cooling systems are necessary.

New materials and technologies, including additive ones, will come to the aid in the creation of modules and systems of such an engine. For example, it is planned to use a unique cooling system heat exchanger, which is being developed using such technologies.

For long-range aircraft, the propulsion system will be created on new principles. It will have a variable cycle engine, its concept will be refined. Advanced technical solutions and the latest materials will be used to create the engine.

The work is the first stage of a complex two-year research and technological project, in which, in addition to the National Research Center “Zhukovsky Institute” and CIAM, TsAGI, GosNIIAS, and IAC Ltd. are involved.