On its first flights, the PAK FA was expected to use a pair of conventional Saturn 117S engines, but a new engine 117 (AL-41F1) powered its first flight. The new engine features a digital control system (FADEC), and is reportedly capable of producing 33,000 lbs (147 kN) of thrust in afterburner, has a dry weight of 1420 kilogram and a thrust to weight ratio of 10.5:1.
According to Sukhoi director Mikhail Pogosyan, the 117 (AL-41F1) is a new fifth generation engine built specifically for the PAK-FA. Pogosyan has clarified that claims of the use of an older engine are incorrect. Though the specifics of the new engine remain classified, information provided has included: increased engine thrust by 2.5 tonnes over the AL-31 engine, a reduction in engine weight by 150 kilograms (330 lb). These changes allow the aircraft to supercruise, sustaining supersonic flight speeds without using afterburners. Mikhail Pogosyan further mentioned that this engine (117) meets the Russian Air Force's requirements and will be installed in production PAK-FA aircraft.
The engine generates a larger thrust and has a complex automation system, to facilitate flight modes such as maneuverability. It is expected that each engine will be able to independently vector its thrust upwards, downward or side to side. Vectoring one engine up with the other one down can produce a twisting force, which would enable the PAK FA to be the first fifth generation fighter with full 3-D thrust vectoring along all three aircraft axes: pitch, yaw and roll. These engines will incorporate infrared and RCS reduction measures.
There is little information about the new engine of T-50. According to preliminary facts, the engine will have increased thrust and fuel efficiency as compared to AL-41F1. Allegedly, the powerplant will have a thrust of about 107 kN in cruise mode and 176 kN in full afterburner mode.
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