Engine problems with the Lotarev D18T have pretty well been resolved. Same engine on the An124-100 and the An225 and the substantial experience obtained with An124 service has meant that the engine is now being released with a 20,000 hr life compared with the early versions with 3,000.
It was an An124 which blew an engine in F'boro and an An22 which ferried in the replacement.
Despite the improvement you will still see An124s still fitted with early engines holding for some minutes before take-off and running at 70% power in order to achieve temperature stabilisation throughout the engine.
Lybid
[This message has been edited by Lybid (edited 10 May 2001).]