RuAviation

As part of the import substitution programme within the aviation sector, work continues on the certification of the SJ-100 aircraft and the PD-8 engine. In Komsomolsk-on-Amur, the third prototype “Superjet 100” aircraft (serial number 97003, registration number 97023) has completed its maiden flight and joined the flight test programme. This was announced by the press service of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).

“In honour of the upcoming 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the aircraft’s fuselage is adorned with a celebratory logo. This is the second aircraft to be fitted with PD-8 engines. The maiden flight lasted approximately 40 minutes at altitudes of up to 3,000 metres and speeds of up to 500 km/h. The flight confirmed the stable operation of all domestic systems,” a UAC representative commented to the “Aviation of Russia” website.

The aircraft was piloted by a crew consisting of the captain, Honoured Test Pilot of the Russian Federation, Sergei Zavalkin; the co-pilot, 1st Class Test Pilot Alexander Verkhov; and the lead flight test engineer, Maxim Gryukanov.

After landing, Captain Sergei Zavalkin reported that the flight mission had been successfully completed, with the climb to 3,000 metres performed in the engines’ take-off setting.

“In flight, we checked the operation of the control systems, hydraulics, air conditioning, and flight navigation equipment at various speeds. We also checked the gas-dynamic stability of the PD-8 engines. During the flight, the landing gear was retracted and extended,” the captain said.

Previously, on March 17th, the first “Superjet 100” with PD-8 engines completed its maiden flight. On April 18th, the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Anton Alikhanov, stated during a visit to the “UEC-Saturn” production facilities in Rybinsk that three prototype aircraft with PD-8 engines would be involved in the testing.

“The second aircraft is currently being prepared for flight. The first flight in a completely import-substituted configuration will take place before the end of April. We are also awaiting the third aircraft with these engines. This fleet will be involved in the engine’s certification,” the minister said.

Thus, three prototype aircraft are currently involved in the SSJ New programme testing:

• Aircraft 97021 (serial number 97001) – SaM146 engines, some imported equipment replaced with Russian-made equivalents. It is performing flights under the certification test programme in Zhukovsky.
• Aircraft 97012 (serial number 95157) – PD-8 engines, partial replacement of imported components. Factory refinement tests are underway in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
• Aircraft 97023 (serial number 97003) – PD-8 engines, a prototype of the new assembly. Almost complete replacement of imported components. It completed its maiden flight on April 23rd.