Russia has completed key certification testing of the domestically developed PD-8 turbofan engine intended for the Yakovlev SJ-100 regional jet, advancing the country’s plan to field an import-substituted successor to the Superjet 100.
United Engine Corporation, part of Rostec, has been progressing toward full type certification of the PD-8, with officials indicating the process is scheduled to conclude by the end of this year. The engine underwent a 150-hour certification campaign at maximum operating conditions, according to program information, demonstrating its ability to sustain extended high-power operation.
Flight testing of the PD-8 began in mid-March on a modified Superjet 100 airframe. In parallel, United Aircraft Corporation reported completion of water ingestion certification tests at the Gromov Flight Research Institute in Zhukovsky. During these trials, the SJ-100 equipped with PD-8 engines taxied and accelerated through a standardized water pool more than 70 meters long and 12 meters wide to validate safe engine and auxiliary power unit performance in standing water on the runway.
The SJ-100 is designed to carry around 100 passengers and replace the original Superjet 100 in Russia’s regional fleet. First production deliveries of the SJ-100 with PD-8 engines are expected by 2026, according to the manufacturer.