Scientific and research work of Zaporizhzhia aircraft engine builders in the 1970’s

Abstract

On the basis of a wide base of sources, the article highlights and analyzes the development of research work of aircraft engine companies in Zaporizhzhia during the 1970s. The existence of a single system of functioning of the Zaporizhzhia production association “Motorobudivnyk” (now the Public Joint Stock Company “Motor Sich”) and the Zaporizhzhia Machine-Building Design Bureau “Progress” (now the State Enterprise “Ivchenko – Progress”) is taken into account. The directions of research work that were peculiar to the specified period are established. These were inventive activities, development of technological processes, increasing the reliability and durability of gas turbine engines, automation and mechanization of production, cooperation with industry firms in other countries, and cooperation with research institutions. The development of a scientific-theoretical and technical basis for the production of aircraft engines is comprehensively assessed. Its dependence on structural subdivisions, which at the aircraft engine enterprises were the department of scientific and technical information, the Information and Computing Center, the department of patenting, innovation and invention of the plant, was determined. They were engaged in the accumulation, generalization and dissemination among specialists of their own and borrowed experience of both past and present. The activity of the scientific and technical council, which included leading specialists of Zaporizhia aircraft engine companies, was monitored. Factors that contributed to the revival of research in the second half of the 1970’s were identified. Among them, the leading place belongs to the creation and production of D-36 and D-18T aircraft engines. The design advantages of these engines are described. Some shortcomings and miscalculations made during their design are taken into account. Methods and measures aimed at overcoming the difficulties associated with the design, manufacture, operation and repair of aircraft engines are summarized. The research is based on the following methods: actualization, comparative-historical, problem-chronological, multifactor analysis, principles of historicism and objectivity.