Sukhoi Superjet 100 Completes Engine Water Protection Test

Russian aviation officials said the Sukhoi Superjet 100 SN95003 has successfully completed the test program aimed at evaluating how the aircraft will perform on wet runways. The tests confirmed that APU and engines continue to operate normally while operating on a wet runway within the full range of pre-takeoff modes, from taxi to V1. The Russian evaluators say that shows the SSJ 100 is capable of carrying out safe take-offs and landings on water-covered runways.

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The tests were conducted in Zhukovsky-based Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company Flight test center. A special 120 foot long pool was constructed on the runway and filled with water to a depth of about 1.5 inches. The aircraft accomplished a total of 27 runs at speed ranging between 10 and 150 knots at different engine settings. Special attention was paid to low speed modes, take-off mode and maximum thrust reverser. The tests were monitored by Russian Certification Authorities. In order to assess the results the pilots controlled the engines' performance via standard cockpit indication.

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Video and still photos were captured using cameras placed at varying distances from the pool, and mini-cams placed on the landing gear of the aircraft. It confirmed that the water does not hit the air intake or the auxiliary power unit. The engines and aircraft were closely inspected after every run, and no malfunction of the auxiliary power unit or propulsion system was registered.

Air data system sensors, air intakes and drain openings in the airframe sustained normal operation while the aircraft was moving through the water veil. The stability & control of the aircraft were evaluated as well. The results of the tests showed that, even up to 150 knots, the aircraft tracks steadily along the water covered runway.

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Russian officials say the tests show that the design characteristics (location of the engines and, air intakes and drain openings) of the SSJ100 do not allow water to hit engine air intakes or the APU through the full range of speeds including runs with thrust reversers engaged.

FMI: www.sukhoi.org/eng/planes/projects/rrj/