RuAviation

In March, Russia’s Arkhangelsk Region served as a test range for flight trials of three aircraft types operating in natural icing conditions. Flights were conducted from Talagi Airport using a Superjet 100 powered by PD-8 engines, an MC-21-310 equipped with PD-14 engines, and an Il-114-300 fitted with TV7-117ST-01 engines.

The ferry flights from Zhukovsky to Arkhangelsk were performed under normal engine operating conditions. During the campaign, flight crews actively searched for forecast icing zones on engine inlets and external airframe surfaces. The tests were supported by engineering teams from UEC-Saturn, UEC-Aviadvigatel, UEC-Perm Engines, and UEC-Klimov, who monitored engine technical condition and maintenance procedures, according to United Engine Corporation (UEC).

The SJ-100 prototype aircraft (tail number 97023) completed nine test flights. According to UEC-Saturn, the PD-8 engines operated in natural icing conditions for the first time. Flight results confirmed analytical performance models and ground-test data. The collected data will support type certification documentation for the PD-8 turbofan engine.

The MC-21-310 (tail number 73057) completed six flights. The PD-14 engines performed nominally throughout the campaign. UEC-Perm Engines engineers reported verification of both manual and automatic activation of the engine anti-icing system during ice formation on the inlet cowl components. The test program was completed successfully with positive results.

The Il-114-300 (tail number 54115) performed eight flights. UEC-Klimov confirmed that the TV7-117ST-01 engines underwent evaluation of anti-icing system effectiveness under natural icing conditions. Operational performance was assessed both in flight and on the ground. The campaign concluded as planned with no anomalies.

UEC stated that the flight test program was completed in full. All aircraft and engine types demonstrated compliant performance under natural icing conditions, with no deviations from specified operating parameters.