RuAviation

As part of the import substitution programme, work continues on the certification of the SJ-100 aircraft and the PD-8 engine. The Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Anton Alikhanov, during his visit on April 18 to the production facilities of “ODK-Saturn” in Rybinsk, stated that a flight of the second prototype aircraft equipped with PD-8 engines is scheduled for April 25, and he also noted that not two, but three prototype aircraft would be involved in the trials.

“Currently, the second aircraft is being prepared for takeoff. The colleagues have scheduled it for April 25. As we previously announced, the first flight in a fully import-substituted configuration will take place by the end of April [aircraft serial number 97003 – note from “Aviation of Russia”]. And we are also expecting a third aircraft with these engines. This will be the fleet involved in the certification of this engine,” said the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

He added that the task has been set to complete the certification trials by the end of the year and to begin deliveries of the SJ-100 aircraft powered by PD-8 engines to airlines in early 2026.

The first “Superjet” with PD-8 engines performed its maiden flight on March 17. The aircraft with registration number 97012 was airborne for 40 minutes, reaching a speed of 500 km/h and an altitude of 3000 metres. The import substitution programme involves replacing approximately 40 components manufactured in unfriendly countries.