The power units operated for more than 6,500 hours, including 1,449 hours as part of the Superjets and a flying laboratory

Photo: United Engine Corporation

United Engine Corporation has completed a set of certification tests of the advanced PD-8 engine designed for the Superjets, the power units have operated for more than 6,500 hours. Engine prototypes were used to validate the design solutions during in-flight and bench tests, which allows a type certificate to be issued. 

The PD-8 is a fully domestically built engine, at the design stage of which 25 critical technologies, including 17 brand-new ones, have been developed and implemented. Thus, high pressure turbine blades and nozzle guide vanes are made of unique heat-resistant materials that, along with the cooling system, allow operation at high temperatures. 

During the certification tests, the PD-8 was tested in icing conditions at CIAM’s bench and as part of the Superjet during flights in the Arkhangelsk Region. Moreover, the engine has shown reliable operation during a 150-hour long-term operation simulation test. It has also undergone extreme bird strike, water ingestion and blade off tests.

The final test of the PD-8 was carried out in April at UEC-Saturn’s open test bench. An aircraft flying into a hail cloud was simulated. The power unit maintained environmental resistance and continued normal operation. 

“He PD-8 has undergone extensive testing since 2025, when testing on the Superjets started. The total run time was 6,590 hours, including 1,449 hours on the Superjets and a flying laboratory, and the rest of the time at test benches. The Russian engine has shown high reliability and safety even in critical conditions,” said Fyodor Mironov, Deputy Director of Sales of UEC.