Rostec Tests 1st Prototype PD-8 Engine for Superjet 100, Be-200 Aircraft

Rostec-owned United Engine Corporation (UEC) has completed bench tests of the first prototype PD-8 engine meant for the imported SSJ-NEW and Be-200 aircraft.

The operability of the engine and its systems, the main parameters laid down in the terms of reference, and the correctness of design solutions were confirmed.

In the course of multi-stage tests, the UEC specialists debugged the automatic control systems and stabilized the engine start with access to "idle gas". Engineers carried out the required number of launches to obtain the main parameters of the engine in all modes of its operation, from “idle gas” to “maximum takeoff” mode.

“Completion of bench tests of the first prototype PD-8 is the most important stage in the development of a new Russian engine for civil aviation, primarily for the imported Superjet 100. Next, tests of individual engine components on autonomous installations are coming. It is also planned to test the engine as part of the Il-76LL flying laboratory and a large complex of engineering and technical calculations. All this is included in the scope of work to confirm the characteristics of the pilot plant to the requirements of the certification basis for the PD-8 engine,” said Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy General Director of Rostec State Corporation.

The PD-8 bypass turbofan engine, which will be used in the imported SSJ-NEW passenger aircraft and the Be-200 amphibious aircraft, is being created using the latest Russian materials and advanced technologies, including 3D printing. The work involves a wide cooperation of UEC enterprises, the experience of creating the PD-14 engine is actively used.

“The test program included measurements of parameters to assess the temperature state, strength and vibration resistance of engine parts and assemblies during operation. Its air, oil and fuel systems have been checked. Data on the state of parts and assemblies of the experimental PD-8 engine was taken during tests using 500 special sensors. The data obtained with their help is subject to further analysis to assess the performance of the main components and systems,” said Yury Shmotin, General Designer of JSC UEC.