During the certification program, the new PD-8 engine underwent a full cycle of tests that confirmed the stability of the power plant's thrust and its readiness for installation on SJ-100 aircraft. The Aviation of Russia portal reported on the details of the program.
One of the most important stages of the program was the FOD test (Foreign Object Damage). Its goal was to prevent the destruction of the hull, uncontrolled loss of thrust, fire, or destruction of cascade systems.
For the certification of civil aircraft engines, this is one of the mandatory stages, it is directly related to the requirements of flight safety, especially during takeoff and landing.
PD-8 performed the test at a thrust of more than 8000 kgf and confirmed the requirements of flight safety, especially during takeoff and landing, the portal added.
In December 2025, the Business Online publication, citing a source in the aviation industry, stated that the PD-8 did not produce the necessary thrust for flights with a full cabin. This problem seems to have been resolved. Recall that the thrust of the PD-8 at maximum takeoff mode is 8,056 kgf.
Official certification of the PD-8 is scheduled for April 2026, Rosaviatsiya noted. Earlier, Rostec showed unique footage of the process of manufacturing parts for the PD-8 for the SJ-100 aircraft.
