Aircraft
Superjet begins certification flying
The first flying prototype of the Sukhoi Superjet (SSJ) 100 regional jet, the second airframe built, was handed over to Russia’s Interstate Aviation Commit

The first flying prototype of the Sukhoi Superjet (SSJ) 100 regional jet, the second airframe built, was handed over to Russia’s Interstate Aviation Committee Register for certification flying in late October. Four aircraft will participate in the program, and six in general flight testing. Sukhoi director-general Mikhail Pogosyan said that certification is expected in the second half of next year, with first customer deliveries following later in the year. Other sources predict that the airplane will not receive “full” Russian airworthiness approval until early 2010.

Static testing of the first airframe (number one) is under way at the Central Aerohydrodynamics Institute (TsAGI). Last month the second flight-test SSJ100 (airframe number three) was awaiting installation of its Power Jet SaM146 engines before joining the certification trials, according to Pogosyan.