The Russian Aviadvigatel PD-8 engine is being prepared to power Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional jets soon, but until then it must undergo a series of tests, including flight tests. As part of that stage, a power unit has been installed on a model Ilyushin IL-76 aircraft, which serves as a laboratory aircraft.
As reported by our partner site Aeroin, in recent weeks, Russia has accelerated this project, which has become even more urgent due to Western sanctions imposed on Russian aviation following the invasion of Ukraine. These embargoes prevent the Russian aircraft industry from receiving components from Europe and North America. It must therefore accelerate import substitution.
Engine exchange
But most projects are not yet ready, including Aviadvigatel’s PD-8. The engine will one day power the Superjet 100 and replace the Power Jet Sam 146, which is being developed in collaboration with French engine manufacturer Safran. The new engine, on the other hand, is 100% manufactured in Russia.
Ground testing of the first PD-8 prototype was successfully completed this week, Russian industry has reported, marking the end of the most important stage of its development. The next step is to test the components on autonomous test benches, and flights with the PD-8 are also planned.
The new engine is being tested on a flight test stand installed on an Ilyushin Il-76 LL, an aircraft dating back to Soviet times, the specimen used as a test stand belonging to the Gromov Flight Research Institute. The same aircraft has helped test other Russian engines, such as the Aviadvigatel PD-14 and the Progress D-27.
Numerous calculations will be performed on board the laboratory aircraft and data will be obtained that will help in the approval of the engine and, consequently, its installation on commercial aircraft carrying passengers.
