The Russian aircraft engine PD-8 developed for the new Superjet 100 (also known as SJ-100 in Russian documentation), has effectively completed one of the most critical stages of its certification program: tests that simulate collisions with a flock of birds. The results verified that the powerplant can continue to operate safely and reliably in severe non-standard situations, which is particularly critical during the takeoff and landing phases. The satisfactory result is a significant accomplishment in the pursuit of full certification and entry into serial operation.
PD-8 Engine: A New Stage for Russian Civil Aviation
The United Engine Corporation (UEC), a subsidiary of Rostec, has developed the PD-8, a modern high-bypass turbofan engine with a thrust of approximately eight tons. Its primary objective is to replace foreign-made engines that had been used in the Superjet family and to facilitate an entirely import-substituted configuration of the aircraft, which is commonly referred to as the SJ-100 or “New Superjet.”
The engine integrates contemporary Russian engineering solutions and materials, such as innovations in thermal resistance, aerodynamics, and digital control systems. The PD-8 is also considered as a potential powerplant for other aircraft, such as the Be-200 amphibious aircraft, in addition to the Superjet program. This underscores its long-term relevance and versatility.
The Significance of Bird-Strike Testing
One of the most dangerous real-world hazards for aircraft engines is bird strikes. Typically, these incidents occur during takeoff or landing, when aircraft are operating at high airspeeds but relatively low altitudes. In these circumstances, birds may be ingested into the engine airflow, causing them to strike fan blades and internal components with a high degree of kinetic energy.
Engines must not only withstand such impacts but also operate reliably without experiencing calamitous failure, as stipulated by certification standards. In order to guarantee the safety of passengers and personnel, an engine must maintain controllability and an adequate thrust. Consequently, bird-strike testing is regarded as one of the most challenging and essential stages of engine certification.
How the PD-8 Tests Were Conducted
The bird-strike experiments were conducted at an open-air test stand of UEC-Saturn in the Yaroslavl Region, which is one of the most advanced facilities in Russia for aircraft engine testing. The PD-8 was operated at its maximum takeoff power during the tests, resulting in the production of its entire rated thrust of eight tons.
A multi-barrel launcher that was specifically designed for this purpose was positioned approximately five meters from the running engine. This launcher was capable of firing four bird carcass simulators simultaneously within a single second. This configuration simulated the most risky scenario: an aircraft colliding with a flock of birds rather than a solitary impact.
The launch speed was determined to correspond with the speeds of aircraft during takeoff and landing, which is approximately 103 meters per second, in order to guarantee authenticity. The simulators were designed to target the engine’s most critical components, such as the aerodynamic inlet fairing and fan blades.
Engineers painted the fan blades yellow and applied special markings to ensure a precise post-test inspection. This facilitated the identification of impact points and the evaluation of any structural or surface damage that may have occurred following the test.
Technical Evaluation and Test Results
The PD-8 successfully completed the bird-strike experiments without any mechanical damage, as per official statements from the United Engine Corporation and project engineers. The engine maintained stability and controllability, despite direct impacts on the most vulnerable sections of the fan section.
Sergey Mosin, the Deputy Chief Designer of the PD-8, who is responsible for the nacelle design and aircraft integration, underscored that the main success factor is not only the absence of visible damage, but the engine’s capacity to continue operating safely under flight conditions. The PD-8 met this requirement fully, demonstrating that even a real-world encounter with a flock of birds would not pose a threat to flight safety.
These findings substantiate the engine’s exceptional engineering resilience and bolster confidence in its suitability for commercial aviation applications.
A More Comprehensive Certification Program
Bird-strike testing is merely one component of the PD-8’s comprehensive certification campaign. The engine had previously effectively completed tests that simulated heavy water ingestion, demonstrating stable operation during intense rainfall—a critical factor for operations in adverse weather.
The PD-8 also successfully completed fan blade-off containment experiments, which simulate the failure of a rotating blade at high speed. These evaluations confirm that the engine casing has the capacity to contain debris and prevent secondary damage to the aircraft. Furthermore, the engine has been subjected to crosswind operation trials, acoustic testing, and evaluations of thrust reverser performance.
These tests collectively verify the accuracy of the design solutions and verify that the engine satisfies all necessary technical specifications. The final stages of the certification procedure are now drawing near.
Significance to the Aviation Industry and the Superjet Program
Bird-strike experiments have been successfully completed, which is a significant accomplishment for the Russian civil aviation industry. The PD-8 is a critical component of the Superjet’s import-substitution strategy, which aims to enhance national technological sovereignty and decrease dependence on foreign suppliers.
Superjet aircraft that are fitted with PD-8 engines have already conducted numerous test flights in a variety of configurations. Early flight trials commenced in 2025, and testing continues as part of the aircraft’s comprehensive certification program. The engine will facilitate the serial production of a Superjet variant that is entirely domestic once it has been completely certified.
This development presents new opportunities for domestic regional air transport and potential exports to countries that are in search of reliable, non-Western aviation solutions.
Final Remarks
The PD-8 engine’s successful bird-strike testing represents a significant milestone in the development of modern Russian aircraft engines. The engine’s capacity to endure severe impacts while simultaneously maintaining stable operation is indicative of its design’s maturity and robustness.
The PD-8 is on the brink of becoming a critical component of Russia’s forthcoming civil aircraft generation as certification advances toward its conclusion. The Superjet program is fortified by its success, which is a significant advancement for the aviation industry of the nation in the 21st century.