RuAviation

Two new PD-8 engines have been manufactured at the UEC-Saturn engine-building plant in Rybinsk and delivered to PJSC “Yakovlev” for the final stage of flight certification testing of the upgraded “Superjet”. The powerplants underwent bench tests to confirm their stated performance characteristics and crosswind stability, according to the UEC press service.

“For the flight trials, the engines have been equipped with additional bleed air systems, onboard instrumentation, fire suppression and anti-icing systems. This is a standard preparation stage to ensure flight safety. Engine testing in the aircraft under real-world conditions would be impossible without such equipment,” UEC stated.

The PD-8 is a two-spool turbofan engine with a thrust rating of 8 tonnes. Initially, in 2019, the engine was intended to be installed on the Be-200 aircraft as a replacement for the Ukrainian D-436TP. However, in the same year, due to disagreements over the rising costs of the “hot” section, which was supplied to Rybinsk for the Sam146 engine by the French company Snecma, it was decided that it was more expedient to develop the PD-8 primarily for the import-substituted SSJ-New aircraft.

The project was completed in six years. The designers applied the experience gained during the creation of the PD-14 engine, which took eight years to develop.

Currently, the “Superjet” with the PD-8 is undergoing manufacturer’s development testing. The certification testing phase will begin shortly, during which the prototype aircraft are expected to perform approximately 200 flights. Connecting the second aircraft with the new engines will expedite the certification process.

The new “Superjet” with the PD-8 engine will be a completely domestically produced airliner. Deliveries to airlines are scheduled to begin in 2026 after the aircraft’s certification is completed, which is slated for the end of 2025.