RuAviation

Russia has funded research into replacing the SaM146 engines on in-service Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) aircraft with the domestically developed PD-8, marking an initial step towards extending the service life of the existing fleet.

Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov disclosed the funding on 20 October during a meeting of the State Duma’s Budget and Taxes Committee. More than 130 SSJ100 aircraft equipped with SaM146 engines remain in the fleet, he said.

The research is intended to establish the feasibility of a pin-to-pin engine replacement, minimising changes to the aircraft’s existing structure and systems. Moving from research to implementation will require further development work to address the technical requirements of integrating the PD-8 into aircraft originally designed around the SaM146.

The initiative follows earlier plans to develop a re-engining solution. In June 2026, Alikhanov said the Ministry of Industry and Trade had secured funding for experimental design work scheduled for 2026–27. The latest announcement concerns research funding rather than confirmation that the subsequent development phase has been fully funded or that aircraft modifications have begun.

United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has previously considered re-engining approximately 50 SSJ100 aircraft. Preliminary estimates put the cost at RUB 2.3 billion per aircraft, or about RUB 115 billion for the proposed 50-aircraft group. Work under that estimate was expected to start in late 2029, although the figures do not constitute a confirmed programme budget or implementation schedule.

The overall business case remains to be established. Alikhanov said in May that a financial model would depend on assessing the components requiring replacement. The ministry and transport authorities are also expected to address the funding arrangements, with the eventual model requiring agreement between manufacturers and airlines.