Specialists from PJSC Yakovlev and the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) conducted a series of certification tests for the SJ-100 aircraft (tail number 97023) at Ramenskoye Airfield in Zhukovsky, Russia’s primary aviation test center. The tests aimed to confirm the aircraft’s ability to safely take off and land on water-covered runways. Such evaluations are mandatory for the certification of all modern passenger airliners and form part of the airworthiness program for the fully localized Superjet, according to UAC’s press service.
The tests took place on November 6 in a purpose-built water test pool measuring over 70 meters (approximately 230 feet) in length and 12 meters (approximately 39 feet) in width. The pool was divided into sections where the water depth reached 30 mm (approximately 1.2 inches). These dimensions ensured standardized conditions, in compliance with both Russian and European regulatory standards for evaluating aircraft performance and engine protection under wet runway conditions.
During the evaluations, the SJ-100 performed multiple taxi runs through the water-filled pool, using various engine operating modes, including thrust reverse. The entire process was meticulously recorded with onboard instrumentation as well as ground-based and aircraft-mounted video systems. Representatives from certification authorities and engineers from the United Engine Corporation (UEC) were present during the tests.
The results confirmed that water spray and ingestion did not adversely affect the stable operation of the PD-8 main engines—an indigenously developed turbofan—or the auxiliary power unit (APU). These findings validate the aircraft’s capability for safe operation under precipitation and on wet runways.
These wet runway tests complement earlier stages of the SJ-100 certification program. Previously, the aircraft underwent stability and controllability checks at speeds exceeding its operational limits. On June 25, aircraft 97023 achieved 334 knots (approximately 385 mph or 619 km/h) and Mach 0.87. In August, engineers evaluated the Integrated Control System (ICS), assessing the aircraft’s ability to recover from extreme pitch and roll attitudes, including excursions beyond VMO (maximum operating velocity) and MMO (maximum operating Mach number). More recently, on October 29 at Ramenskoye Airfield, the PD-8 engine’s thrust reverse system was tested across various wing flap configurations.
The wet runway trials of the fully Russian-made Superjet, focusing on engine protection from water ingestion, represent one of the final stages of its comprehensive certification cycle. Full certification for both the aircraft and the PD-8 engines is expected by the end of the current year.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...