Engineers at Rostec United Engine Corporation have successfully completed testing the core of a second prototype PD-8 engine core, which will be used on its upcoming SSJ-NEW aircraft.
The SSJ (Sukhoi Superjet) -NEW is a version of the regional jet made by Russian firm Irkut that uses a much higher proportion of domestically-made components than imported ones.
According to reports, the SSJ-NEW will replace up to 97% of the components imported into Russia to manufacture Superjet 100s with domestically-sourced parts. This includes the avionics and swapping the Rostec-developed PD-8 for the Powerjet SaM146 turbofan engine, which is the result of a joint venture with France’s Safran that powers it.
Type certification for the 87 to 98 passenger SSJ-NEW is planned for 2023 with first deliveries in 2024.
According to Rostec, the technical design stage of work on the propulsion system has been completed, working design documentation has been released, and prototypes of the engine are being manufactured.
The latest tests confirmed correct operation of components, required temperature and pressure parameters, and compliance with environmental standards. The next stage of the project is scheduled for the beginning of the next year, and will involve bench tests of the first prototype engine.
The engine core consists of a high-pressure compressor, a combustion chamber and a high-pressure turbine that drives the propulsion system. Testing of engine cores is set to continue along with the PD-8 prototype assembly.
First deputy CEO of Rostec State Corporation, Vladimir Artyakov said,”The development of the PD-8 is carried out by the method of parallel development of the hot section of the engine and compressor, which allows the project to be implemented in less time. Rostec State Corporation has already completed tests of the second prototype engine core, which were successful and confirmed the adequacy of the technology used. Now, the assembling stage of the PD-8 prototypes has begun, with bench tests scheduled for early 2022,
Yury Shmotin, deputy general director – chief designer of UEC said, “Confirmation of design solutions at the stage of engine core tests is important for the entire course of certification work on the PD-8 engine. The plan is to test the engine core on the Central Institute of Aviation Motors altitude test rig under conditions close to actual operation. At the same time, the compressor will be tested as part of an autonomous unit at CIAM for examination and confirmation of the inherent characteristics.”
