ODK-Saturn has completed more than 4,700 hours of flight testing of prototype units of the new PD-8 engine, taking a confident step toward certification, the United Engine Corporation (ODK) reported.
The twin-circuit turbofan engine with 8 tons of thrust is being developed for the Superjet-100 aircraft and the Be-200 amphibious aircraft. During testing, the PD-8 undergoes a full cycle of certification checks: on test benches, as part of a special flying laboratory, and directly on the Superjet-100. ODK emphasizes that every accumulated hour confirms the engine's reliability, safety, and readiness for serial production.
The PD-8 provides a foundation for renewing Russian civil aviation and expands the possibilities for operating amphibious aircraft. The development takes into account durability and efficiency requirements, and the engine combines a modern turbofan configuration with high thrust and adaptation for different types of aircraft.
Certification of the PD-8 will pave the way for large-scale deployment on domestic airliners and special-purpose aircraft, strengthening the positions of Russian manufacturers in the low- and medium-thrust engine segment. The reliability and completeness of the tests make it a key element of ODK's strategy for localizing the aviation industry.
Earlier, the PD-8 aircraft engine successfully passed the most difficult certification test. Over the course of one and a half months, the operation of all the unit's systems was checked at maximum settings simulating prolonged use.