Russian company NPO Energomash has delayed full production of theRD-180 engine in the USA from this year until 2005.
Energomash and Pratt & Whitney formed RD AMROSS in 1996 to develop the derivative of the RD-170 engine, which is used on the Energia booster.
Energomash committed to delivering 101 engines for the Lockheed Martin Atlas III and V fleet of boosters. The first Russian-built RD-180 flew on the maiden flight of the Atlas III as part of a first batch of 18. Three more are being prepared for launch and two are ready for shipment. The next of five RD-180s are to be completed by the end of the year. Engines for the Atlas V will be modified to meet "tougher parameters".
Energomash is also producing RD-170 engines for the Zenit and Sea Launch fleet, and a new engine, the PD-191, which will fly on the Angara launch vehicle.
Source: Flight International
