Second Superjet 100 joins flight test programme

The second of four Sukhoi Superjet 100 flying prototypes, SN95003, took to the skies on 24 December. The aircraft took off from the factory runway in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and landed safely after a successful 2 h 30 min flight during which it reached an altitude of 6000 m.

The aircraft performed traditional stability and handling tests as well as systems checks in accordance with the first flight assignment. SSJ100 SN95003 was captained by Leonid Chikunov, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft test pilot, who flew with Nikolai Pushenko. “With a number of software modifications introduced on SN95003 based on the results of the flight envelope evaluations done on the first prototype, the aircraft demonstrated remarkable stability and handling qualities," remarked Chikunov. "Both flight test engineers and pilots are quite pleased with the overall performance of the second prototype. The aircraft looks trouble free.”

The first two prototypes SN95001, launched in May, and SN95003 are to perform the larger part of the certification programme. In the course of 398 flights, the aeroplanes, fitted with substantial onboard measurement instrumentation, will perform a wide range of tests including overall performance, stability and control, engine and systems performance, hot & high trials, cold weather trials and so on.

Sukhoi Superjet 100 SN95001 has already spent more than 200 hours in the skies. “Since 19 May, when the first aeroplane took to the skies, we’ve done quite a lot. As test pilots we go well beyond the flight envelope an airline pilot will usually fly. We have to be absolutely sure that in a critical situation the aeroplane will behave in the expected way. In November, along with the systems and overall performance evaluation trials, we conducted the first series of high angle-of-attack testing. And it’s encouraging that the aircraft behaves in a predictable way, one every average pilot can manage”, said Alexander Yablontsev, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft chief test pilot.