What domestic equipment will help revive the Russian economy

The production of weapons for the needs of special operations in Russia has increased globally. The head of Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, showed this data to Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 28. But the economy is not revived by defense orders alone.

The main products of the corporation are still of a civilian nature. Like, for example, the Tu-2214 aircraft, which was relaunched with a domestic engine. The mere fact that the same PS-90A turbine is on Presidential Aircraft No. 1 speaks volumes about its quality.

Our correspondents Georgy Grivenny and Vladislav Kharchenko found out what equipment will be in the sky and on the ground in the near future.

Airplanes first

On the table in front of Putin is a red folder, usually containing documents of particular importance. What could be more important now than timely deliveries to the front? And the country’s main industrial concern does not disappoint. The production of shells for cannon artillery increased by 50 times for certain types, armored vehicles – 5.5 times, tanks – almost seven times.

“If we had not carried out a global modernization of our enterprises by 2022, I think that it is unlikely that we would have been able to increase production by several times, which happened last year and this year.”said Chemezov.

In addition to supplies for the needs of special operations, Rostec is actively involved in solving the most pressing problems of the civilian industry. The main thing here is to achieve technological sovereignty.

The American aircraft engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, having left Russia, was sure that without its engines our planes would no longer take off. But at Rostec factories, completely domestic PD-14s are ready for mass production for the main hope of Russian aviation – the medium-range MS-21. And PD-8 for the Superjet, which will soon become completely Russian.

“Everything is ready for the PD-8: tests on the stands have been completed, tests on the flying laboratory have been completed, and certification flights will finally begin as part of the aircraft. And now we must transfer 20 machines to the airlines in 2024.”,” Chemezov clarified.

As for the MC-21, already in 2024 Aerofolot will receive the first six beautiful aircraft. Certification has already been obtained to transport 211 passengers, and the entirely Russian PD-14 engine meets all environmental requirements and can operate in all climatic zones.

The downside of the new Russian Tu-214

But we were able to see another technological innovation of import substitution from Rostec in Kazan not only from the outside, but also from the inside.

“The legendary Tu-214 is in the air harbor of Kazan International Airport. This is a previously flown mainline airliner. It has undergone the procedure for restoring its airworthiness, and today it is accepted by one of the domestic airlines. Under Western sanctions, it will replace Boeing and Airbus that left Russia“- said correspondent Vladislav Kharchenko.

“All parts, all on-board systems are fully operational and ready for operation. As for Western sanctions, here I can say and assure that we are ready for operation. There are no problems with the delivery of component parts, the industry is fully prepared to cover all necessary shortages “said IFC General Director Mikhail Podkhvatlin.

Tu-214 is a medium-haul passenger aircraft. Flight range – 6,500 thousand kilometers, speed – up to 850 km/h. The length is a little more than 46 meters, the wingspan is about 40. Designed for 210 passengers. Assembly shops for the Tu-214 were opened on the basis of the Kazan Aviation Plant and are arranged like an aircraft conveyor.

All conditions have been created for a comfortable stay here. You can move around the cabin without any problems, since there is a fairly wide passage between the seats. As for the luggage compartments, they have become more spacious: if previously only outerwear could fit here, now a backpack or small bag can easily fit here. The seats are covered in leather, soft, you sit down and enjoy the flight the entire way.

“I am sure that the passenger will be comfortable here, and the passenger will be happy to use our aircraft, especially those of domestic production.”,” emphasized Ekaterina Rukhlova, Deputy General Director for Fleet Management of the airline.

The pace of production will increase. Next year they plan to deliver seven aircraft to domestic airlines, and by 2030 they plan to prepare 115 updated Tu-214s.

Not by planes alone

Meanwhile, in the presidential office, after the report of the head of Rostec on successes in the construction of electric vehicles and charging stations, Vladimir Putin also made his rationalization proposal.

– Gas ones need to be made.

– We also have gas ones.

– Are you doing it?

– Yes, sure. There, at KamAZ, we also make gas engines.

– No, no, exercises specifically.

– And we also have a gas charger; we also already produce liquefied gas.

We managed to turn the situation around in the automotive industry: after Mercedes left the joint project with KamAZ for the production of tractors and trucks, ours not only repeated the project that was before the introduction of Western sanctions, but also improved the characteristics of the car. The Russian K-5 is now more economical and less noisy. And this is the main indicator that our industry in general and Rostec in particular can live and develop sovereignly, without regard to the West.