Russia’s Sukhoi has transferred a long-range Superjet 100LR airframe to Moscow to undergo fatigue testing.
The tests at the Central Aerohydrodynamics Institute will aim to confirm the intended 70,000h service life of the aircraft.
Sukhoi adds that the 100LR is designed for a workload of 54,000 cycles. It features a higher take-off weight of 49.45t and PowerJet SaM146-1S18 engines delivering greater thrust than those on the standard variant.
The airframe, serial number 95075, has been transported in sections to the Moscow Zhukovsky test centre, on board an Antonov An-124 freighter.
Its fuselage will be reassembled and mated with the empennage and wings on a loading jig with sensors to analyse the structural performance during simulated flight and turbulence.
Sukhoi Civil Aircraft chief designer Vladimir Lavrov says: “The test results will confirm both the stated aircraft service life and the programme of maintenance checks developed for this aircraft type.”
Russian operator Gazpromavia put the first 100LR into service earlier this year, following certification of the type by the country’s Interstate Aviation Committee in 2013.
Belgian carrier VLM Airlines has selected the 100LR for its fleet but the aircraft has yet to secure clearance from the European Aviation Safety Agency. Sukhoi says that “works are undergoing” to achieve EASA certification.
Sukhoi Civil Aircraft
Source: Cirium Dashboard
