Stand tests of AL-55I light aircraft engine begin

DATELINE: MOSCOW March 4

The research and production corporation Saturn (Rybinsk, Yaroslavl region) has started the stand testing of the AL-55I light aircraft engine intended for India, a source in the defense-industry complex told Interfax-AVN.

“One engine is under testing already and a second, being prepared at Saturn, is expected to join the first one soon,” he said.

The light AL-55I will retain thrust and fuel economy characteristics, the source said.

“But no decision has been made so far on the engine’s flight testing,” he added.

The AL-55I has been ordered by the Indian corporation HAL (Hindustan Aeronautic Ltd) for the HJT-36 training plane. A licensed production of AL-55I engines is to be launched in India.

In the future the AL-55I with an increased thrust of 2,200 kilograms could be installed on the Indian HJT-39 plane.

Source: Interfax-AVN