RuAviation

Engine ground runs have commenced on the SJ-100 prototype at the Yakovlev Production Centre – Regional Aircraft in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The engine runs are being conducted on SJ-100 airframe, tail number 97012 (serial number 95157) in its series production configuration with imported systems. This was reported by the Notes of Aircraft Builders Telegram channel.

These ground trials are the final stage before the commencement of factory flight development tests. Upon completion of the ground testing, prototype aircraft 97012 will take to the skies, marking the first flight test article of the SJ-100 equipped with the new Russian-built engines.

A second prototype aircraft, also with the Russian power plant – airframe with serial number 97003 – is in final assembly, where preparations for its flight testing continue. Currently, flight tests are underway at Zhukovsky on SJ-100 prototype (tail number 97021) with partially installed Russian systems and Franco-Russian SaM146 engines.

Video by © Notes of Aircraft Builders TG-channel

The factory flight development trials will take place in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Once completed, the aircraft will be ferried to Zhukovsky near Moscow, where certification flight tests will be conducted. This means that three aircraft will be used to expedite certification.

On 7 February 2025, the Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov, stated that the first test flights of the SJ-100 with PD-8 engines are expected in February-March. He also noted that the engine has already demonstrated all of its design performance characteristics during more than 20 flights on a flying test bed, confirming its readiness for the next phase of testing on the aircraft itself.