Lead
Rostec State Corporation expects the import-substituted SJ-100 passenger jet to complete its flight test program by the fall of this year, according to CEO Sergey Chemezov, speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 5. Chemezov also said that large-scale production of the aircraft is planned from next year, and that 42 aircraft of this type have already been contracted.
Coverage Comparison
All information in this article comes from three reports by the Russian state news agency TASS, which covered different aspects of Rostec's announcements at SPIEF and related statements from UEC-Saturn. The reports are consistent with each other and contain no conflicting facts. However, they represent a single source; independent verification from other outlets or agencies is not yet available.
Key Claims
Flight test progress and certification timeline
Chemezov stated that obtaining a type certificate for the PD-8 engine brings the SJ-100 closer to certification. "We expect that the airliner will complete the flight test program by the fall," he said, as reported by TASS. The SJ-100 has already performed over 180 flights, which Chemezov said represents more than 80% of those required for certification. He added that 42 aircraft have been contracted so far.
The SJ-100 is a short-haul narrow-body aircraft designed to accommodate 100 passengers, equipped with Russian PD-8 engines and domestic systems as part of import substitution efforts, according to TASS.
PD-8 engine certification testing
In a separate statement on May 28, Rostec announced that the PD-8 aircraft engine has been tested in accordance with strict Russian certification framework requirements. The certification framework includes requirements for airworthiness and environmental protection, according to the state corporation.
Ilya Konyukhov, CEO of UEC-Saturn (the Rybinsk-based manufacturer), explained that Russian aviation standards impose high requirements for certification tests. "Domestic strength standards dictate the need for a more conservative approach to testing," he said, adding that results from digital twins cannot replace actual bench tests. According to Konyukhov, the full-scale tests were completed within a relatively short timeframe, and the company is now awaiting the type certificate.
Rostec reported that 78 engine assemblies were used in the full-scale tests, which is more than twice the average number accepted in global practice. After each stage of testing, the engine is disassembled for defect detection, then reassembled and continues testing.
The PD-8 engine, with a thrust of eight tons, is designed for the SJ-100 short-haul aircraft and the Be-200 amphibious aircraft, according to Rostec.
Future engine family and ground applications
Chemezov also outlined development plans for the PD-8 engine family. He said Rostec plans to develop an engine with a thrust of 10 tons for a business jet. "It is planned over time to create an engine with a thrust of 10 tons for a business aviation aircraft," he told reporters at SPIEF.
He noted that a family of engines can be made based on the PD-8, with either an increased thrust of 25-30% or a reduced thrust of 20%, depending on the tasks. Additionally, Chemezov said the PD-8 gas generator could become the basis for "ground-based" engines in the energy and gas transportation sectors.
Perspectives
Russian state and industry perspective
As reported by TASS, the announcements reflect Rostec's confidence in the progress of its import substitution program for the SJ-100. The emphasis on meeting strict domestic certification standards and the use of domestic materials aligns with Russia's broader push for self-sufficiency in aviation. The planned expansion of the PD-8 engine family and ground-based applications suggests a long-term strategy to leverage the engine platform across multiple sectors. However, these claims come from state-affiliated sources and have not been independently verified by international aviation analysts or regulatory bodies.