Klimov RD-33
The Klimov RD-33 is a turbofan jet engine for a lightweight fighter jet and which is the primary engine for the Mikoyan MiG-29 and CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder. It was developed in OKB-117 led by S. P. Izotov (now OAO Klimov) from 1968 with production starting in 1981. Previous generations of Russian supersonic fighters such as the MiG-21 and MiG-23 used turbojets, but western fighters such as the F-111 and F-4K introduced the use of afterburning turbofans in the 1960s which were more efficient.
| RD-33 | |
|---|---|
| RD-33 on display at the Luftwaffe Museum | |
| Type | Turbofan |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Klimov / Hindustan Aeronautics Limited |
| First run | 1974 |
| Major applications | CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder Mikoyan MiG-29 Mikoyan MiG-33 Mikoyan MiG-35 Shenyang FC-31 |
The RD-33 was the first afterburning turbofan engine produced by the Klimov company of Russia in the 8,000 to 9,000 kilograms-force (78 to 88 kN; 18,000 to 20,000 lbf) thrust class. It features a modular twin-shaft design with individual parts that can be replaced separately.