Import-Substituted SJ-100 Jetliner Begins Certification Flight Tests in Russia

A prototype of the import-substituted short-haul aircraft Superjet-100 (SJ-100), developed by PJSC Yakovlev of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), has embarked on its certification flight tests.

The first flight that took place on June 10 also tested a domestic fuel system. The flight lasted 2.5 hours, covering 15 test modes, and reported no equipment failures.

"This flight marked the beginning of the flight test program, which constitutes a significant part of the work during the certification of the import-substituted modification of the aircraft," stated Andrey Boginsky, UAC Deputy General Director for Civil Aviation and General Director of Yakovlev PJSC. "In total, by the end of 2025, we have to carry out about 200 flights. Their intensity will certainly increase with the addition of two more prototypes to the tests, which are currently awaiting the installation of PD-8 engines in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.”

Talking about orders for the aircraft, the official said, “Today, we have applications for the supply of over 150 aircraft: in addition to the contract with Aeroflot Group, these are more than 60 orders from various airlines."

The initial prototype is currently flying on French-Russian SaM146 engines, while the subsequent prototypes will feature the new PD-8 engines once they receive clearance for flight. This move is part of a broader initiative to replace foreign components with domestically produced alternatives.

Prior to this flight, specialists conducted extensive ground testing on the aircraft’s landing gear, doors, hatches, cockpit displays, and control surfaces to ensure all systems were functioning correctly.