United Engine begins serial delivery of PD-8 engines for Yakovlev SJ-100
Powerplant secured approval in June but import-substituted twinjet yet to receive certification. Russia's United Engine has started delivering serially-produced Aviadvigatel PD-8 powerplants to the Yakovlev SJ-100 programme. United Engine's Saturn division chief, Ilya Konyukhov, confirmed that the first two engines for the SJ-100 – an import-substituted version of the Superjet 100 – have been handed over. "This success is the result of people," he says. "It is, first and foremost, the result of the painstaking work of thousands of designers, technologists at [United Engine] enterprises, scientific organisations, and representatives of related industries." Konyukhov disclosed the PD-8's progress during a meeting on technical sovereignty attended by figures including first deputy prime minister Denis Manturov. The PD-8 secured its type certificate in June, and work is continuing on certificating the SJ-100. United Engine says development of the powerplant has involved reducing its weight and fuel consumption. "The PD-8 project has become a true challenge for our entire industry," says Konyukhov, adding that it has been "successfully met". Manturov says the creation of a modern civil aviation fleet – including the Ilyushin Il-114-300, Yakovlev MC-21, and Tupolev Tu-214 – is "crucial" to Russian ambitions for technological sovereignty. "This programme is moving into practical action," he says. "We are beginning the first deliveries of the Il-114-300. "Serial production of the updated Tu-214 is ramping up. Certification testing of the MC-21 and [SJ-100] is in the final stages. "This line of aircraft will allow for flexible route planning of any length and expand regional air service."
