The import-substituted SJ-100 prototype, which bears registration number 97023, has reached a critical phase of its certification program in Belarus. In order to assess the aircraft’s autopilot, automatic approach and landing systems, and associated onboard equipment, Russian specialists are conducting flights at Orsha and Minsk airports. The program includes approximately 100 distinct flight modes that are executed at varying speeds and in a variety of weather conditions.
These tests are of particular significance to the aviation industry in Russia. The SJ-100 is being developed as a heavily import-substituted version of the Superjet 100, with a substantial proportion of its previously foreign-supplied systems being replaced by Russian-developed equipment. Therefore, the certification campaign must not only demonstrate that the aircraft is capable of conducting routine flights but also that its Russian flight-control, navigation, and avionics systems satisfy the necessary safety standards.
Why the SJ-100 Was Sent to Minsk
On September 19, the aircraft arrived at Minsk National Airport. The tests are being conducted by specialists from the Flight Test Complex of Yakovlev’s Regional Aircraft division, in collaboration with representatives of certification centers and the Aviation Register.
Belarus was not selected by chance. Minsk’s airport infrastructure is suitable, and it is capable of assessing the accuracy of aircraft approaches through satellite navigation. This is one of its most significant advantages.
According to Yury Chernysh, the head of the flight-test department at Yakovlev’s Flight Test Complex, Minsk is also advantageous from a logistical standpoint. The Zhukovsky airfield is located in close proximity to the city, with a flight time of approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. At the same time, the vicinity of Minsk airport provides optimal conditions for the assessment of the aircraft’s navigational capabilities.
This is especially crucial during certification testing. The aircraft must exhibit stable system operation in both ideal and non-ideal conditions, as well as in scenarios where the crew must significantly rely on automated functions.
Autopilot Under Intensive Evaluation
Testing the aircraft’s autonomous flight-control system is one of the main objectives of the Belarusian program. This entails considerably more than merely verifying that the autopilot can sustain a designated altitude and heading. The automation system’s integrated operation is being assessed by test pilots during various flight phases, such as approach and landing.
Minsk was previously reported to be used for the testing of automatic approaches and automatic landing procedures, which included operations that corresponded to Category II and Category IIIA requirements.
This is an especially critical component of the certification program. The workload on automated systems is significantly increased when weather conditions worsen, such as low cloud cover, precipitation, or restricted visibility. The aircraft is required to execute the necessary maneuvers with the requisite precision, process navigation information accurately, and maintain its prescribed trajectory.
In addition, the test program is not restricted to verifying the normal operation of the system. Additionally, engineers and test pilots must determine the aircraft’s response to abnormal circumstances.
Around 100 Flight Modes, Including Failure Scenarios
The Belarusian test program includes approximately 100 different flight modes. In both daytime and nighttime conditions, flights are conducted at varying speeds, in normal weather and in conditions of reduced visibility, such as fog. Testing is being conducted in Orsha in addition to Minsk.
Landing procedures are receiving particular attention. Test pilots simulate various abnormal situations, conduct go-around maneuvers, and evaluate the aircraft at minimum approach speeds. Simulated engine failures are implemented during certain flights, which enable specialists to ascertain whether the crew and automated systems can safely execute a go-around or continue the landing procedure.
Therefore, the objective is not merely to determine the SJ-100’s performance during routine operations. The tests are also intended to ascertain whether the aircraft responds predictably and safely in the event of failures or other abnormal conditions.
The Russian flight-control system has reached a critical stage
The automation system is one of the most critical components of the SJ-100’s import-substitution program. Yakovlev collaborated with the Moscow Institute of Electromechanics and Automation to create the automatic and flight-director control algorithms, as well as engine-thrust control systems.
This underscores the significance of the current Belarusian flights in addition to the testing campaign in question. The data collected during the missions will be incorporated into the certification documentation and will serve to illustrate that the aircraft’s flight-control system meets the relevant standards.
The manufacturer will acquire an additional critical piece of evidence necessary for the certification of the import-substituted SJ-100 upon the successful fulfillment of the program.
SJ-100 Tests Continue in Novosibirsk
The Belarusian program is merely a component of a much more extensive certification initiative. Novosibirsk is concurrently conducting testing on an additional SJ-100 prototype. There, specialists are assessing the navigation apparatus and the aircraft’s capacity to accurately determine its position in relation to ground-based navigation systems. Flights that utilize VOR/DME equipment are among the activities that are being conducted.
Yakovlev can evaluate various systems simultaneously and potentially reduce the overall certification timeline by implementing various components of the program at multiple test locations.
In addition, the SJ-100 has already been subjected to further testing under natural frost conditions. The aircraft, in conjunction with the MC-21-310, conducted flights from Talagi Airport in Arkhangelsk in March 2026. Subsequently, they returned to Zhukovsky to continue the primary test program.
Extreme Temperatures Will Be the Next Challenge
Testing in extreme temperatures will also be a component of the certification program. The aircraft will be assessed under high-temperature operating conditions in Uzbekistan during flights in sweltering weather.
When considered collectively, these activities constitute an increasingly comprehensive test campaign for the SJ-100, which encompasses a wide range of topics, including automatic landing, failure scenarios, freezing, and operation in extreme temperatures.
Now, the primary objective is to convince the certification authorities that the import-substituted SJ-100 can safely execute the entire spectrum of the necessary procedures with its Russian-developed systems.
Accordingly, the tests in Minsk and Orsha are a critical phase of the program. They are of particular importance because they concentrate on one of the most intricate and safety-critical components of a contemporary passenger aircraft: automated flight control and landing.