RD-33, Klimov Co.

The RD-33 turbojet engine is one of the best bypass engines of the fourth generation in its thrust class. The engine powers the well known Russian MiG-29 fighter and its modifications. This fighter powered by the RD-33 engine has been awarded the Lenin Prize and the State Prize of the Soviet union. The nozzle with thrust vectoring was developed to improve the MiG-29 fighter performance.

At present the RD-33N modification is developed to power the single-engine aircraft (the MiG-21). Other derivatives include:

  • SMR-95 for updating of French Mirage III and Mirage F-1 fighters;
  • RD-93 to power the new Chinese Super-7 fighter.

    • The engine is of modular design. This allows to master engines local repair with modules replacement instead of replacing engine as a whole. Due to its high stability the RD-33 doesn't limit the aircraft piloting, features high rate of thrust increase at flight speed that is of special importance for a combat fighter.

    Other design details:

    • 4-stage axial flow low pressure compressor;
    • 9-stage axial flow high pressure compressor;
    • short annular combustion chamber with 24 burners;
    • single stage high pressure turbine;
    • single stage low pressure turbine;
    • bypass duct;
    • afterburner with variable nozzle;
    • electronic hydromechanical automatic control system;
    Model RD-33

    Il-102

    MiG-29
    Year ?
    Type bypass turbojet
    Full Afterburner
    Thrust 8300kg
    Fuel consumption 2.1kg/kgf/hour
    Maximum without afterburner
    Thrust 5040kg
    Fuel consumption 0.77kg/kgf/hour
    other parameters
    Bypass ratio 0.46
    Compression 21
    Maximum turbine inlet temperature 1680°K
    Resource 4000h
    Length 4230mm
    Maximum Diameter 1040mm
    Weight 1055kg