The prototype of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 passenger airliner with domestically produced PD-8 engines has reached its maximum flight altitude for the first time, according to the press service of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). The Superjet with PD-8 engines developed through broad cooperation among Rostec enterprises, has reached a maximum flight altitude of 11,300 meters and a speed of Mach 0.78 during its latest test flight. The flight lasted 3 hours and 13 minutes. This elevation is the altitude set by the manufacturer according to the aircraft’s technical specifications.
During the flight, the engines’ gas-dynamic stability was tested at altitudes of 3,000, 7,600, 9,000, and 11,300 meters at various speeds—from the minimum allowed to cruising speeds. Fuel consumption runs were also conducted at cruising altitude—level flights at constant speed to assess the aircraft’s fuel efficiency with the new main powerplant.
The PD-8 engines demonstrated stable performance at all tested altitudes, speeds, and operating modes. In total, the aircraft has spent approximately 11 hours in the air during flight testing.
In March, the Rostec state corporation announced that the SJ-100 aircraft, an import-substituting version of the Sukhoi Superjet 100, made its first flight with a Russian PD-8 engine in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade has initiated substantial initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of its helicopters, increasing their performance. This phase is a critical stage in the development of the domestic aviation sector. The country has allocated 5.7 billion rubles for the development of multirole helicopters “Ansat-M” and Mi-38-2.
The Ansat-M light helicopter, which is manufactured by Kazan Helicopters, is currently undergoing a comprehensive modernization program that is designed to improve its capabilities and decrease its dependence on imported components. The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade is providing support for this initiative, which underscores the strategic significance of domestic aviation development. One of the primary enhancements entails replacing all imported components with equivalents manufactured in Russia. For instance, ODK-Klimov has developed the VK-650V engines for the helicopter, replacing the PW207K engines previously supplied by Pratt & Whitney Canada. This transition also involves the replacement of foreign-made control systems and autopilot mechanisms with locally manufactured alternatives.
Another substantial enhancement is the Ansat-M’s increase in maximum launch weight, which will increase from 3,600 kg to 3,800 kg. This improvement is enabled by structural modifications, including the incorporation of new rotor blades with enhanced aerodynamics and a greater proportion of composite materials in the helicopter’s design, which now constitutes 35% of its structure. Furthermore, critical components, such as the blades, powerplant, and cockpit windows, are undergoing testing for an advanced anti-icing system. The helicopter’s operational versatility will be further enhanced by the ability to operate in icing conditions without restrictions once this system is completely implemented.
Additionally, the modernization program emphasizes the extension of the service life of critical components to enhance durability and decrease maintenance expenses over time. Enhancements to avionics systems complement these upgrades by facilitating operations in zero visibility conditions and extending the flight range up to 800 km with additional fuel containers. The significance of these developments to Russia’s aviation industry is underscored by the federal government’s allocation of 3.95 billion rubles to finance them.
The upgraded Ansat-M is intended for a diverse range of missions, such as VIP travel, medical transport, and other specialized operations. Its objective is to effectively compete with European counterparts and to support Russia’s overarching objective of achieving self-reliance in aviation technology through these improvements.
As part of a modernization initiative backed by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Mi-38-2 medium transport helicopter is expected to undergo substantial improvements. The objective of these enhancements is to enhance the helicopter’s operational capabilities and integrate domestically produced components, thereby ensuring a greater degree of independence from foreign suppliers. The program is expected to be completed by December 2027 and has been allocated a total of 1.76 billion rubles.
The reinforcement of the transmission and rotor systems is a critical component of the enhancement of performance and durability. The helicopter’s design will also be modified to incorporate wholly Russian-made components, thereby maintaining the import substitution trend that has characterized recent advancements in Russian aviation. The change is a continuation of the Mi-38’s previous modifications, which included the replacement of foreign alternatives with Klimov TV7-117V engines.
The Mi-38-2 is already recognized for its robust construction and versatility, which are exemplified by its advanced rotor designs and the use of composite materials in its fuselage. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 15.6 tons and can accommodate up to 40 passengers or 5 tons of payload. With the addition of fuel tanks, the helicopter’s flight range can be extended to 1,000 kilometers, rendering it appropriate for both military and civilian applications. It is anticipated that these improvements will further broaden its scope of responsibilities, which will encompass specialized missions such as offshore operations and those in extreme weather conditions.
The Mi-38-2 endeavors to bolster its status as a competitive option in the global market and contribute to Russia’s overarching objective of attaining technological self-sufficiency in aviation manufacturing through these enhancements.
The primary objective is to conclude the project by December 2027. Serial production is anticipated to commence in 2026, marking a significant milestone in implementing the Russian helicopter supply program through 2030. The Ansat’s inaugural flight with the new Russian VK-650V engine is anticipated to occur this month.
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