Soloviev D-30
The Soloviev D-30 is a two-shaft low-bypass turbofan engine, officially referred to as a "bypass turbojet." The D-30 is well known for it's distinctive whining noise on takeoff and at idle power. A supersonic afterburning version, the D-30F6 is used in the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31 interceptor, while non-afterburning civilian versions, the D-30Kp and D-30KU is used in the Ilyushin Il-62M and Tupolev Tu-154M airliners, and in the Ilyushin Il-76MD,TD heavy cargo aircraft.
In the mid-1970s, the Soviet Union began the search for a high-speed, high-altitude interceptor to replace its somewhat disappointing MiG-25 Foxbat. To combat problems stemming from the tendency of the Foxbat's engines to self-destruct at maximum throttle in high-speed situations, a new engine was needed to power this new interceptor, which would become known as the MiG-31 (NATO reporting name Foxhound).
The Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG) Design Firm then contracted Soloviev (later Aviadvigatel, now Perm) to build a low-bypass turbofan to power their new aircraft. Aviadvigatel came up with the D30-F6 turbofan. Capable of generating 9,500 kgf (20,900 lbf or 93 kN) dry thrust and 15,500 kgf (34,200 lbf or 152 kN) afterburning thrust, the engine gave MiG's new fighter a top speed exceeding 1,800 mph, and a maximum takeoff weight of 101,000 lb (45,800 kg). These powerful engines also allowed the large and complex fighter to attain supersonic speeds at low altitudes under 5,000 feet.
Uses in Soviet and Russian Aircraft
The D30-F6 is a very powerful engine, excessively powerful for most airframes. Therefore, its use has been very limited. The massive Aviadvigatels have only been used in two aircraft designs-the MiG-31 Foxhound and the experimental Su-47 (formerly S-37) Berkut, manufactured by Sukhoi. However, even the Su-47 may soon be switching to more modern Saturn-Lyulka AL-37 or Saturn AL-41 thrust-vectoring turbofans, similar to those used in the Su-35/37 and the Su-47's competitor, the MiG 1.42. Any other future uses of the D30-F6 are questionable, at best.
References
- Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1995