Sky in a jet: a plane with a PD-8 engine made its first flight

Today, on March 17, it became known that the prototype Superjet aircraft made its first flight with domestic PD-8 engines. He was in the air for about 40 minutes, the flight speed was 500 km/h, and the altitude was 3 thousand m. The PD-8 engine became an important part of the import substitution program. For more information about the first flight of the Superjet with PD-8, as well as about the engine itself, see the Izvestia article.

The first flight of a Superjet powered by PD-8 engines: what is known

On Monday, March 17, it became known that the first flight of a prototype Superjet aircraft with domestic PD-8 engines was carried out in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The corresponding press release was published on the website of the Rostec State Corporation.

According to them, the plane was in the air for about 40 minutes, the speed reached 500 km/ h, and the altitude was about 3 thousand m. They also reported that "the flight mission was completed in full." In addition, during the flight, the PD-8's gas dynamic stability was assessed in constant and variable modes. The power plant with engines showed stable operation.

According to Denis Manturov, First Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Rostec State Corporation, joining the PD-8 powerplant to flight tests is an important and long—awaited step towards certification of a technologically independent version of the Superjet.

"The complete dedication and overcoming of all challenges by the engine builders allowed the aircraft to successfully complete its first flight using Russian engines. To intensify certification tests, the manufacturer plans to connect a third, fully Russian Superjet to them," he said.

According to Denis Manturov, it is expected that further work will be carried out on schedule, the state fully provides all necessary financial and resource support to aircraft manufacturers.

Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov also drew attention to the fact that after 2022, the Superjet will have to be rebuilt. The project itself was implemented in a very short time by the standards of the global aircraft industry.

For the first time, the PD-8 engine was presented during the National Exhibition and Forum of Civil Aviation Infrastructure (NAIS), which was held in Moscow in early February this year.

The future of the PD-8 engine

According to Sergey Chemezov, a lot of work and flights will be carried out further. In April 2025, another fully Russian aircraft with PD-8 engines will join the certification flight tests.

In addition, it is planned to transfer two PD-8 prototype engines for flight testing by the end of March. The certificate is expected to be issued in the fall of 2025. To do this, it is necessary to carry out about 200 flights.

It is reported that the PD-8 Superjet planes will deliver passengers on regional and short-haul routes. In general, the engine is suitable for aircraft with a capacity of 90-110 people.

Russian PD-8 engine: technical specifications

PD-8 is a Russian twin—circuit turbofan engine with a thrust of 8 tons. It is designed for the Superjet passenger aircraft, as well as for the Be-200 amphibious aircraft.

The United Engine Corporation (JSC UEC) became the engine manufacturer, it actively applied the experience of creating the PD-14 engine, as well as the latest Russian materials and technologies, including 3D printing.

According to the UEC, the main advantages of PD-8 are:

— reduced operating costs (compared to analogues);

— compliance with modern and promising environmental requirements of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization; ICAO);

— comprehensive customer support and service system.