On June 20, 2025, the experimental short-haul aircraft “Superjet 100” (tail number 97023, serial number 97003) arrived at the Ramenskoye airfield of the M.M. Gromov Flight Research Institute in Zhukovsky. This aircraft has been completely replaced with imported components and systems. This was a significant milestone in Russia’s aviation import substitution program, as it signified the completion of the first long-distance flight for the SJ-100 equipped with Russian-made PD-8 engines.
An experienced crew, consisting of test pilots Dmitry Demenev (commander), Alexander Verkhov, Igor Grevtsev, and chief flight test engineer Maxim Grukanov, operated the aircraft. The journey started in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and included intermediate stops at two large Russian airports: Irkutsk (arrival on June 19) and Novosibirsk (departure to Zhukovsky the following day). The total route length was approximately 6,000 kilometers, with a flight duration of approximately 9 hours, and the aircraft was flown at speeds of up to Mach 0.78 and altitudes of up to 12,000 meters.
“Following the flight assignment, we successfully worked out landings at two large airports, which indicates a high level of readiness of this machine,” said crew commander Dmitry Demenev.
The PD-8 Engine: The Heart of Import Substitution
The PD-8 engine is a critical component of the Superjet’s import substitution program. The PD-8 was developed in a mere six years, in contrast to the previous-generation PS-90 engine, which required twelve years to complete. This was achieved by leveraging the knowledge acquired from the development of the PD-14. The commitment of Russia to technological independence in aviation is underscored by the accelerated progress.
Comprehensive Import Substitution: Beyond the Engine
The SJ-100’s transformation extends beyond its engines. The following systems were replaced with Russian-made components as part of the import substitution program:
- APU (auxiliary power unit)
- Navigation and avionics apparatus
- Landing mechanism
- Control systems that are integrated
- Electrical power infrastructure
- Fire protection and air ventilation systems
- Equipment for the cabin
Furthermore, the airframe was modernized to facilitate manufacturing and maintenance, and the import-substituted version was equipped with aerodynamic peripheral devices, known as “sablets” or “cyberlets.”
Program for Certification and Testing
The Superjet was relocated to the Yakovlev Aviation Technical Complex for preparation prior to the flight and ground certification test program upon its arrival at Ramenskoye Airfield. The cross-country flight was essential for the confirmation of the certification test plan and the demonstration of the aircraft’s capability to operate in typical civil aviation conditions, as per Chief Designer Kirill Kuznetsov. The aircraft was successfully serviced and prepared for the subsequent stage at standard airports such as Irkutsk and Novosibirsk for this purpose.
The prototype aircraft 97023 is the third to be built under the SSJ-New import substitution program. It is equipped with PD-8 engines, as is the aircraft 97012. Three demonstration aircraft have completed more than 100 flights, with over 60 of those flights being conducted as part of certification tests. The main objective of aircraft 97023 is to exhibit the integrated performance of the PD-8 engine in conjunction with all import-substituted systems.
Chief Designer Kirill Kuznetsov stated that the flight tests of this aircraft will make up approximately 25–30% of the overall certification program; however, these tests are the core element that will demonstrate the interoperability of all import-substituted systems and the PD-8 engine.
Approximately 30–40% of the total test program has been completed thus far, and approximately half of the planned ground test hours have been logged. By the end of 2025, approximately 200 flights are scheduled, which include severe weather testing in both the Arabian Peninsula and Yakutia.
Industry Challenges and Achievements
The import substitution programs for both the SSJ100 and MC-21 were subjected to unprecedentedly strict timelines as a result of the events of 2022, as emphasized by Vadim Badekha, the head of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). Despite the obstacles posed by suppliers and the necessity of reestablishing domestic civil aviation cooperation, the industry was compelled to mobilize at an unprecedented pace in response to the necessity for rapid solutions to transportation challenges.
Future Prospects
The SJ-100 is anticipated to be certified by the conclusion of 2025. The aircraft is on the brink of becoming the foundation of regional aviation in Russia, facilitating the expansion of domestic air routes and the renewal of airline fleets.
In conclusion, the SJ-100’s historic long-distance flight, which traversed Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, and ultimately Zhukovsky, not only showcases the technical prowess of the aircraft but also the resilience and ingenuity of Russia’s aviation industry. The SJ-100 is poised to inaugurate a new era in Russian civil aviation, embodying sustainable development and technological sovereignty, with the introduction of the new PD-8 engines and a systems suite that is entirely Russian-made.
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