First pictures of Izd.30 ?
While initially the communication around the PAK FA program, now Su-57, was broader; the program has become much more discreet over the past three years.
This followed - in particular - the fire of the T-50-5 prototype and the relocation of part of the test program to Akhtubinsk: this base is considered to be particularly locked and inaccessible for the average person. It is there that a large part of the evaluation and development tests of the available prototypes take place. In addition, the "institutional" communication around the program and its recent developments is much more framed and strict as we approach the end of the tests.
The Izdeliye 30 (Izd.30) is one of the cornerstones of the project: this new engine developed by NPO Saturn is a completely new product (so we distanced ourselves finally from the AL-31 and its variants) which should provide the Su-57 a basic feature of the so-called 5th generation devices; the supercruiser.
The latter is the ability of an aircraft to fly at supersonic speed without the use of afterburner. This obviously allows to significantly reduce the consumption of the device.
The PAK FA program has a motorization development plan that is focused in two stages; initially, the prototypes are mounted with two Izdeliye 117 engines (AL-41F1) similar to the Izdeliye 117S engines (AL-41F1S) mounted on the Su-35S. In a second time, a completely new engine must come to equip the standard equipment: the Izdeliye 30.
The Izd.117 that is currently equipped with the Su-57 prototypes is a heavily modernized variant of the AL-31F that propels the Su-27. Consisting of new high and low pressure turbines, an optimized combustion chamber and a new digital management system (FADEC); this engine offers performance that does not fully meet the final needs of PAK FA. Hence its use not to delay the development of the project pending the arrival of the final engine.
The development of Izd.30 began in 2011 and NPO Saturn is in charge of the development of this new engine. The technical design of the engine was completed in June 2015 and a little over a year later in September 2016, the director of KnAAZ (the factory that produces the Su-57) announced that the prototypes of the Izd. 30 have been built and bench tests are underway.
This announcement was confirmed by Sergei Korotkov (UAC Russia Vice President) and it now appears that the first prototype PAK FA mounted with Izd.30 engines is expected to fly by the end of 2017 or early 2018. It would not Moreover, it is not at all unlikely that the latest prototype still awaited, the T-50-10, be fitted with these engines. Which would explain why he has not been seen so much yet.
However, despite a development that has already been going on for 6 years, the information available on Izd.30 is close to absolute zero. NPO Saturn holds an absolute silence on the project and except a "sketch" of the latter and basic and not very precise technical characteristics; there is no information available on this project.
The objectives sought by NPO Saturn are, quite logically; increased power (we are talking about a thrust class that oscillates between 16 and 17 tons dry), weight reduction (about 150 Kg compared to Izd.117), internal structure reworked to reduce consumption and finally " thermal signature reduction measures ". In other words: nothing concrete to put in the tooth. It is just a catalog of broad general lines on which all engine manufacturers work.
The only thing that is "confirmed" follows a statement from the CEO of UEC (United Engines Corporation) that expects 17 to 18% thrust gain for Izd.30 compared to Izd.117. This confirms the expected class of thrust between 16 and 17 tons (the Izd.117 is at 14.5 tons of thrust).
Where things get interesting is in the photos published by the Rostec Holding on October 18th illustrating a visit by the Mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, to the Salyut facilities in Moscow. While the Salyut factories mainly produce the AL-21 engines for the Su-24M and the AL-31F engines (and variants) for the Su-27s (and variants); the photo of an unknown engine in the battalion and presenting an original nozzle raised a lot of questions.
The visible nozzle is of a type never seen until now and has a specific form designed to reduce the radar signature of the engine. Indeed, it has a notched end which is composed of "teeth" characteristic of the desired effect. However, there is currently no documented Salyut product that has such a design ...
... It did not take more to see the Internet stir and present this enigmatic engine as the first images of the Izd.30. So is this really the case ?
In fact, there is no definite answer but the available elements tend towards a negative answer. Why?
Despite all the media precautions surrounding the program, Russia would let such a photo leak in the press via an official organ without further consideration? No, the idea is not credible. While the Russians may control their Internet a little less than other countries, this kind of gross mistake is not even possible. Not in 2017
Salyut is not the manager of the Izd.30 program. The latter is in the hands of NPO Saturn who is in charge of the development and manufacture of the engine. It is obvious that these two manufacturers are part of the same state holding (UEC); they work hand in hand, one subcontractor for the other. However, it would be very doubtful to see the "main producer" leaking information from one of his subcontractors without reacting quickly.
The first Izd.30 to be visible shortly on a prototype PAK FA; it would seem much more logical to wait for the first flight of the latter to speak in extenso of its existence. The media coup would be much more important.
This being the case, no one is immune from an error and this photo could be a photo of Izd.30 published by mistake. However, if this were the case, it is reasonable to think that the photos have been "discreetly" replaced by others since then. One can also consider the option that this nozzle is a life-size test mounted on an AL-31F to test the behavior of the nozzle that will equip the Izd.30.
But if it is not the Izd.30 and / or its nozzle, the question is: who is the buyer of this engine? The most plausible is the option of China and this to use on one of the many local programs still calling on Russian engine manufacturers. Waiting for an answer and possible clarification: this mysterious engine will remain a little more.
And this only confirms the obvious: we know absolutely nothing (or almost) of the Izd.30 and the Russians seem firmly resolved to keep silence as long as possible on the latter. Despite the abundant literature available on the Internet, the PAK FA program still has large areas of darkness that are voluntarily maintained by the Russians; and for reasons that need not be explained so much they seem obvious.
to joke ofc 
