RuAviation

The SJ-100 certification campaign has moved into flight trials of the aircraft’s autopilot and onboard navigation systems, with two test aircraft operating from Minsk and Novosibirsk.

Aircraft 97023, the third flying prototype of the import-substituted SJ-100 programme, arrived at Minsk National Airport on 19 September. Yakovlev’s Flight Test Complex, working with certification centres and the Aviation Register, is conducting certification trials of the aircraft’s autopilot.

The flight-control system uses algorithms developed by Yakovlev and the Moscow Institute of Electromechanics and Automation (MIEA) for automatic and flight-director control, as well as engine thrust management. The system provides flight-director guidance during take-off and automatic control during other phases of flight.

The SJ-100’s automatic landing functions include CAT IIIB operations under ICAO criteria, covering automatic control during flare and touchdown and directional tracking along the runway centreline.

A second test aircraft, 97021, arrived at the SibNIA/Tolmachevo test site in Novosibirsk on 16 September. The aircraft, powered by SaM146 engines and incorporating a partial replacement of imported equipment, has begun trials of its integrated navigation system. The system determines the aircraft’s flight parameters and maintains a defined route, including in automatic mode. Aircraft 97021 was the first flying example of the SSJ-NEW programme equipped with Russian onboard systems.

The Minsk and Novosibirsk trials form part of the certification programme for the import-substituted SJ-100. United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Yakovlev have said that the flight-test campaign is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Following completion of the flight tests, Yakovlev is expected to submit the supporting certification evidence to the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya). The documentation will support approval of the major changes incorporated into the aircraft and reissue of the type certificate data. The regulatory documentation process is expected to continue into the first half of 2027.