PD-8 Engines Power Experimental SJ-100 Flight from the Russian Far East to Moscow Region
21.06.2025
The experimental Superjet 100 (aircraft number 97023, serial number 97003), equipped with fully localized systems and Russian-made PD-8 engines developed by the United Engine Corporation (UEC), has arrived in Zhukovsky for preparation for flight certification tests. This flight marks a significant milestone in the extensive import substitution program.
The aircraft was piloted by a test crew consisting of Dmitry Demenev, Alexander Verkhov, Igor Grevtsev, and lead flight test engineer and onboard operator Maxim Gryukanov. The route originated from Komsomolsk-on-Amur with intermediate stops in Irkutsk and Novosibirsk, covering approximately 6,000 kilometers. The total flight time was around 9 hours at altitudes up to 12,000 meters and speeds up to Mach 0.78.
According to Dmitry Demenev, the flight followed a standard profile similar to the base version of the aircraft, with all onboard systems functioning flawlessly. Landings at major airports were successful.
PD-8 Engine Features and Import Substitution
The PD-8 engine is a key element in the full replacement of foreign components with domestic ones. Unlike previous generations — the PS-90 took 12 years to develop, and the PD-14 took 8 years — the PD-8 was developed in 6 years, reflecting the growing technological capabilities of Russian aero-engine manufacturing.
The import substitution program has replaced all major aircraft systems: main and auxiliary power units, avionics, landing gear, integrated control systems, electrical supply, air conditioning, and fire protection systems. The airframe has been updated to simplify production and maintenance.
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To date, approximately 30–40% of the flight test program has been completed. Considering ground test hours, about half of all planned work has been done.
21.06.2025
The experimental Superjet 100 (aircraft number 97023, serial number 97003), equipped with fully localized systems and Russian-made PD-8 engines developed by the United Engine Corporation (UEC), has arrived in Zhukovsky for preparation for flight certification tests. This flight marks a significant milestone in the extensive import substitution program.
The aircraft was piloted by a test crew consisting of Dmitry Demenev, Alexander Verkhov, Igor Grevtsev, and lead flight test engineer and onboard operator Maxim Gryukanov. The route originated from Komsomolsk-on-Amur with intermediate stops in Irkutsk and Novosibirsk, covering approximately 6,000 kilometers. The total flight time was around 9 hours at altitudes up to 12,000 meters and speeds up to Mach 0.78.
According to Dmitry Demenev, the flight followed a standard profile similar to the base version of the aircraft, with all onboard systems functioning flawlessly. Landings at major airports were successful.
PD-8 Engine Features and Import Substitution
The PD-8 engine is a key element in the full replacement of foreign components with domestic ones. Unlike previous generations — the PS-90 took 12 years to develop, and the PD-14 took 8 years — the PD-8 was developed in 6 years, reflecting the growing technological capabilities of Russian aero-engine manufacturing.
The import substitution program has replaced all major aircraft systems: main and auxiliary power units, avionics, landing gear, integrated control systems, electrical supply, air conditioning, and fire protection systems. The airframe has been updated to simplify production and maintenance.
...
To date, approximately 30–40% of the flight test program has been completed. Considering ground test hours, about half of all planned work has been done.
