Rodgin' It with the SJ-100: PD-8 vs SaM146 Engines
Aviation's Wild Ride with the SJ-100 and PD-8 Engines
Russian SJ-100 military aircraft completes maiden voyage
The dancefloor of aviation has recently seen some hot moves as the SJ-100 aircraft, dressed in PD-8 engines, strutted its stuff. On March 17, 2025, this bad boy took its first ride into the skies, wowing everyone with its smooth 40-minute flight. Just a few days ago, on April 8, the aircraft showcased its skills at cruise altitude, sending jaws dropping and foot-tapping[1][3].
Soaring to New Heights: The Stats
During its touchdown-defying flight, the SJ-100 with PD-8 engines nailed a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters and reached a speed of 500 km/h[2]. But that's just the beginning—this baby's got more tricks up its sleeve. Keep your eyes peeled for future flights as it takes on even higher altitudes.
The Road to Certification: A Path Paved in Rudiments
Certification for the PD-8 engine is still in progress, with United Engine knocking it out one step at a time for Russia's import substitution program[4]. Although the initial plan was to launch serial production in 2024, it looks like the next big spin on the dancefloor will have to wait until 2026[1]. Some folks claim this timeline is a little too Pikey, but only time will tell[3].
The SaM146 Sneak-Peek: A Nod to the Past
While the PD-8 engines are the newer kids on the block, the SaM146 engines have been around for a while. They've been part of the sweet orchestration of Sukhoi Superjet 100 flights since their first gig. Compared to the PD-8, the SaM146 engines aren't entirely homegrown[1].
But don't worry, there's still a place for the SaM146 engines in this new mix! Another SJ-100 aircraft is getting its groove on, testing out the rhythm of fully import-substituted systems—everything but the SaM146 engines[3]. This two-step approach lets them test-drive the new parts, while keeping a few proven beats in the mix.
Facing the Music: A Showdown of Styles
Here's the lowdown on what we're workin' with:
| Feature | PD-8-Equipped SJ-100 | SaM146-Equipped SJ-100 ||---------------------------|------------------------|--------------------------|| Flight Tests | Maiden flight on Mar 17, 2025, and cruise altitude tests | Continuing with fully import-substituted systems except for engines || Certification | Certification ongoing, delivery planned for 2026 | Already certified with existing design || Purpose | Full import substitution for Russian production | Original design with some Russian components || Engines | Aviadvigatel PD-8 (Domestic) | SaM146 (Not fully Russian-made) |
Stay tuned as the SJ-100 with PD-8 engines continues to tug on its boots, prepping for the next big performance on Russia's runway. And don't forget to check out the not-so-distant cousin enjoying the limelight with its SaM146 engines!
[1] https://tass.ru/aviacija/1461231[2] https://tass.ru/aviacija/1331573[3] https://www.flightglobal.com/aviation-news/russia%E2%80%99s-new-pd-8-engine-takes-to-the-skies-477747/[4] https://www.flightglobal.com/aviation-news/russia-s-first-pd-8-powered-superjet-aims-for-first-flight-late-march-466554/[5] https://www.flightglobal.com/aviation-news/rostec-successfully-tests-its-pd-8-engines-on-superjet-474493/
- Artyakov, a prominent figure in the aviation industry, has confirmed his optimism for the stability of the SJ-100 aircraft with PD-8 engines, voicing his confidence for the aircraft's future in the space-and-astronomy sector.
- The emerging Russian industry, including finance and technology, are looking forward to the contribution of the SJ-100 with PD-8 engines, as it potentiallycould pave the way for advancements and breakthroughs in science and altitude capabilities.
- With the success of the SJ-100 in 2025, the race to establish domestic dominance in engine production has been intensified, as the competition between United Engine Corporation's PD-8 and SaM146 engines becomes a focal point, fueling progress and innovation in the industry.
- Despite the late certification schedule for the PD-8 engine, the financial sector is showing an interest in investing in this promising technology, seeing its potential to bring about long-term growth in Russia's space-and-astronomy industry.
- The development of the SJ-100 with PD-8 engines is not only a testament to Russia's commitment to import substitution in the aviation industry, but also a stepping stone towards achieving overall technological advancement and global competitiveness.
