Русский
A Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SJ-100) aircraft with all of its component parts made in Russia has joined Russia’s test flight program, the aircraft manufacturer, Rostec has stated.
The aircraft, bearing factory number 97003 performed its maiden flight in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The trials were designed to test and prove the capability and stable operations of all the Russian-made systems.
Rostec First Deputy General Director Vladimir Artyakov said that “The third prototype performed the inaugural flight today (April 23). It is testing interaction between PD-8 engines and domestic aircraft systems. The third aircraft joining test flights will expedite the certification program. We are on schedule.”
Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov also commented that “The successful beginning of test flights of an aircraft with fully Russian made parts signifies the transition to the final stage of the project. This aircraft will perform about 130 certification flights, including special trials under extreme low and high temperatures. The flight lasted for about 40 minutes, during which the plane climbed 3,000 meters and reached a top speed of 500 kilometers per hour. Control, hydraulics, air conditioning, piloting and navigation systems were tested on minimal to maximal speeds. In addition, gas dynamic stability of the PD-8 engines was tested. The landing gear was retracted and released in mid-air.”
Vadim Badekha, general director of Rostec’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), said “The import-substituted version of the aircraft is being developed on a very tight schedule. We are planning to finalize certification trials by the end of this year in order to start deliveries to airlines in 2026.”
Three aircraft are taking part in test flights. The first SuperJet prototype with Russian-made systems and units and a joint venture produced SaM146 French-Russian engine started flying last year. The second prototype with Russian PD-9 engines and several imported systems joined the program in March 2025. The Aviadvigatel PD-9 is a turbofan engine designed and manufactured in Russia. It is designed for high-performance commercial aircraft and is intended to be a domestic alternative to Western engines like the General Electric GE9X and Rolls-Royce Trent 1000.
As part of the import substitution project, the aircraft has been equipped with Russian-made engines, avionics, landing gear, auxiliary power unit, and control, power supply, air conditioning, fire safety and other systems. It also has a new fuselage, modified to simplify aircraft production and maintenance, Rostec said. The PD-8 bypass turbofan engine with an eight-tonne thrust was made of new Russian materials using advanced technologies.
Scheduled production of SJ-100 aircraft with foreign-made parts and engines was suspended in 2022. The delivery of the import-substituted, all-Russian version is due to begin in 2026, according to respective ministries.
According to the current aircraft construction schedule, 30 SJ-100 aircraft will be built in 2026, and 142 will manufactured by 2030. The aircraft production plans are subject to revision later this year as the certification process nears completion.
Two major aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, are banned from doing business with Russia, providing airlines or service companies in Russia with aircraft parts, maintenance or support services under sanctions. China is also refusing to buy aircraft from Boeing and Airbus as sanctions against Russia have severely impacted its reputation for fleet maintenance prospects. China has launched its own aircraft, the Comac C919 and this is also now in service.
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