PD-8 engine variants explored as Russian regulator grants certification

Baseline powerplant to be installed on SJ-100 as replacement for Superjet’s SaM146.

United Aircraft’s development of the Yakovlev SJ-100 has advanced after federal regulator Rosaviatsia formally certified its Aviadvigatel PD-8 powerplant.

Rosaviatsia disclosed the approval during an international economic forum in St Petersburg on 5 June.

The PD-8 is a replacement for the PowerJet SaM146 used on the Superjet 100.

It has been developed as part of an import-substitution programme to reduce Russia’s reliance on foreign suppliers.

Deputy prime minister Vitaly Saveliev says airlines are “eagerly awaiting” the SJ-100, which is still to complete about 20% of its certification campaign.

United Engine had recently completed testing of the PD-8.

State technology firm Rostec’s chief, Sergei Chemezov, says the SJ-100 will become the “backbone” of regional aviation in Russia.

He expects the first production PD-8 engines to be shipped “by the end of this year”.

Work on the PD-8 will continue, he says, and suggests the powerplant could be used as the platform for a “whole family” of engines — either with 25-30% more thrust or 20% less thrust, depending on the application.

The PD-8 has a thrust of 8t but Chemezov says there are plans to develop a 10t version for business aviation, while designers are devising a helicopter variant, known as the PD-8V, for the Mil Mi-26.

He says the certification of the engine demonstrates Russia’s abilities despite the constraints of international sanctions.

“For the last four years, we’ve been operating under particularly harsh sanctions pressure,” he states.

“This includes a dramatic increase in state defence procurement, limited budgets, and our enterprises operating [round-the-clock].

“Even under these conditions, Rostec specialists—scientists, designers, engineers, and workers—are achieving the near-impossible. They’re creating world-class engines and aircraft in record time.”