In a significant milestone for Russian aviation, the fully import-substituted Superjet 100 is set to commence certification tests in June 2025. This marks a pivotal moment as the country continues to enhance its technological independence in aircraft manufacturing.
The prototype, designated SJ-100 with factory number 97003, successfully completed its inaugural flight on April 23, 2025, from the Dzemgi airfield in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, where the Yakovlev assembly facility is located. According to Kirill Kuznetsov, the chief designer at Yakovlev, the aircraft will undergo two to three additional development flights in Komsomolsk before it is transferred to Zhukovsky, near Moscow, for the certification tests.
"We expect to complete the development test program during May and proceed to certification tests in Zhukovsky," Kuznetsov stated. The SJ-100 prototype is the third of its kind and will be instrumental in testing new domestic systems integrated with Russian PD-8 engines.
These engines, a result of Russian innovation, symbolize a move towards technological sovereignty in civil aviation. The PD-8 is a two-circuit turbofan engine developed by the United Engine Corporation (ODK), built upon the foundation of the larger PD-14 engine. It boasts a thrust of approximately 8 tons, advanced cooling materials for high-temperature operation, and modern digital control systems, known as FADEC.
Previously, the Superjet 100 relied on French-Russian SaM146 engines, which have become increasingly difficult to maintain and supply under current sanctions. The introduction of the PD-8 engine allows Russia to pursue its aviation development without external limitations.
Currently, only the partially import-substituted prototype 97001, equipped with the older SaM146 engines, is involved in certification tests. In March 2025, another prototype, the classic Superjet 100 with Russian PD-8 engines, also took to the skies in Komsomolsk.
Kuznetsov elaborated on the testing process, stating, "On the classic Superjet 100, we have completed nine flights as part of the development test program, focusing on evaluating the engine's performance within the aircraft to ensure we can move forward with certification tests."
The completion of the certification process for the import-substituted SJ-100 is slated for the end of November 2025, with the first deliveries expected to commence in February 2026. The initial aircraft will be supplied to the Aeroflot group, marking a new chapter in Russia's civil aviation sector.
This shift towards domestically produced aircraft engines is not just a technical upgrade; it represents a strategic pivot for Russia's aviation industry. The PD-8 engine, designed using advanced alloys and technologies, is crucial for ensuring that Russian aircraft can operate independently of foreign components and technologies.
As the aviation landscape evolves, the PD-8 engine stands out as a symbol of Russia's commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in its civil aviation sector. The development of this engine reflects a broader trend in modern Russia, which is increasingly focused on reducing reliance on foreign technology and fostering domestic innovation.
In summary, the fully import-substituted Superjet 100's upcoming certification tests mark a significant step for Russian aviation, showcasing the country's advancements in aircraft manufacturing and its determination to build a self-reliant aviation industry. With the successful integration of the PD-8 engine, Russia is poised to redefine its civil aviation capabilities and pave the way for future developments in the sector.