Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) is evaluating the installation of domestically-produced PD-8 engines on the existing SSJ100 fleet. Agency head Dmitry Yadrov outlined Rosaviatsiya’s position regarding the future of aircraft equipped with Franco-Russian SaM146 powerplants. The agency is currently working through the proposal with airlines and lessors, Interfax reports.
The import-substituted SJ-100 variant featuring PD-8 engines is scheduled for delivery starting in 2026. However, new aircraft production does not address the challenges facing the existing fleet. Rosaviatsiya advocates re-engining operational aircraft rather than retiring them. The agency’s position stems from the relatively young age of the airframes and the need to maintain passenger capacity.
“Ultimately, we will likely need to re-engine these domestic aircraft with foreign engines by installing PD-8 powerplants and replacing the engine control system and nacelles,” Yadrov told journalists. “The Superjet comprises fairly modern aircraft with limited hours flown. Yes, we’ll face airframe service life extension issues, but overall these machines are quite young. They can operate for 20 years or more. Rosaviatsiya favors re-engining current Superjets.”
Yadrov added that the PD-8 engine is currently undergoing final testing phases. The most critical 150-hour test campaign will commence shortly, with results determining type certificate issuance. Certification timelines directly impact when re-engining operations can begin.
Russia’s SSJ100 fleet comprises approximately 160 operational aircraft. The type was built through international cooperation using foreign components. Series production ceased in 2022 following sanctions implementation. The aircraft are relatively new—commercial operations began on April 21, 2011, with Armenian carrier Armavia.
During 2018-2019, intensive operations led to accelerated service life consumption of SaM146 engines across portions of the fleet. Yadrov indicated that roughly 20 aircraft out of 150 risk retirement. Authorities have approved service life extensions for the Franco-Russian engines to sustain operations through 2028-2029.
In February 2023, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) questioned the economic viability of SSJ100 re-engining with PD-8 powerplants. UAC head Yury Slyusar (currently Governor of Rostov Oblast) noted that engine replacement costs approached the aircraft’s residual value. With airframe residual values around 500 million rubles (approximately $5-6 million), new PD-8 engines with accessories reach comparable or higher costs. Slyusar emphasized that while technically feasible, unresolved issues remain in the economic sphere.
Airlines have expressed interest in alternative powerplant options. Red Wings stated as early as 2022 that it viewed re-engining prospects positively. Carriers anticipate opportunities to upgrade their fleets. Final decisions depend on financial model alignment among the government, manufacturer, and operators.
UAC set the objective of maintaining Superjet airworthiness in its import-dependent configuration as long as possible. Yury Slyusar articulated this goal in August 2022 at the Army-2022 forum. Re-engining was considered one tool to achieve this objective. Project implementation depends on PD-8 certification results and development of an economically sound financing structure.
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