Aircraft

Franco-Russian joint venture PowerJet is planning to begin a second phase of flight tests of the SaM146 turbofan in November,

The SaM146 has undergone about 60h testing in 21 flights on the Sukhoi Superjet 100 prototype, plus 52h on an Ilyushin Il-76 flying testbed. In total, says PowerJet, the engine had accumulated 1,617h in flight and ground tests by 20 September.

The manufacturer says the second phase of flight tests - which will include examining full-authority digital engine control software - will start in November.

PowerJet partner NPO Saturn's SaM146 programme director Yuri Basyuk insists production and delivery of the engines is being "carried out in accordance with the timetable agreed" with Sukhoi. First flight of the Superjet 100 took place on 19 May.

© PowerJet