Article Posted on : - Aug 24, 2009

A File Photo of Klimov RD-33. The RD-33 turbofan engine was developed in 1985 to power the Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter. It is an 8000-9000 kgf thrust class turbofan twin-shaft engine with afterburner built by the Klimov company of Russia and has several variants.

ZHUKOVSKY (BNS): Russian state-owned arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, and Indian state-owned aerospace giant, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) have signed a contract at the MAKS-2009 air show for the delivery of 26 RD-33 series-3 engines to India.

According to Russian news agency Ria Novosti, The RD-33 series 3 is an upgraded version of the powerful RD-33 turbofan engine with thrust vectoring for MiG family fighters. The engine provides superior maneuverability and enhances the fighter's performance in close air engagements.

"These engines are installed on MiG aircraft, including the MiG-35 fighters, which are participating in the announced tender on the delivery of 126 fighters to the Indian air force," a Rosoboronexport official said, as quoted by the report.

In 2005, Russia signed a $250 million deal to modernise the MiG-29's engines. According to the terms of the deal, HAL will make 120 RD-33/series 3 jet engines at its Koraput plant for the upgrades of the fighters.

Russia has also said it is ready to transfer all key technology to HAL and provide assistance for the production of the aircraft in India if the MiG-35 wins the tender, concluded the report.