Prototype units of the PD-8 two‑spool turbofan have accumulated more than 4,000 hours of testing. That total was recorded under the engine’s certification program and includes both ground‑based bench tests and flight trials conducted on an Il‑76LL flying testbed at the M. M. Gromov Flight Research Institute (LII) and on two Superjet 100 (SSJ100) flight test aircraft, the United Engine Corporation (UEC) press service reported.
The PD-8, developed by ODK‑Saturn in Rybinsk, produces 8,000 kgf of thrust (about 78.5 kN / 17,650 lbf). The powerplant is intended for short‑ to medium‑range airliners such as the SSJ100 and for the Beriev Be‑200 amphibious aircraft. Designers used modern domestically produced materials and leveraged technological developments gained during the PD‑14 program.
Work on the PD‑8 program began in 2019. In March 2025 the engine entered certification flight testing installed on a Superjet 100. The development pace significantly exceeded typical timelines of 10–12 years. Data collected during the 4,000 test hours will support the type‑certification dossier.
On November 6, while installed on a Superjet, the PD‑8 passed water‑ingestion protection tests. Results confirmed that water encountered during takeoff roll and taxi after landing did not impair the operation of either the main engines or the auxiliary power unit (APU).
Near‑term plans call for flights in natural icing conditions to be conducted in Arkhangelsk. Successful completion of the full test campaign will allow UEC to obtain a type certificate and begin serial production of the engine. The PD‑8 is part of the SSJ100 import‑substitution program. The updated aircraft — marketed as the SJ‑100 — is fitted with domestically developed systems and components. Serial deliveries of the SJ‑100 are scheduled to begin in 2026.
Earlier reports indicated that Perm Plant “Mashinostroitel” (Perm Mashinostroitel Plant, PJSC) will complete an investment project to expand production of PD‑8 engine components by the end of the year. Investment in the project exceeded 2 billion rubles (roughly >$20 million). The plant plans to produce parts for up to 200 engines per year.
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