Sukhoi has completed additional static testing of the Superjet 100 for certification through the European Aviation Safety Agency.

EASA requirements had mandated an additional static pressurisation test to the previous Russian certification programme, which saw the test airframe (95002) subjected to greater strain.

The ultimate pressure reached nearly twice the operational level, said Sukhoi.

Further tests have yet to be completed for the EASA approval of the regional jet, according to a spokesperson of the Venice-based marketing company Superjet International.

Sukhoi aims to gain EASA certification by the end of 2011.

The pressurisation test was conducted the Central Aerohydrodynamics Institute in Zhukovksy, near Moscow, at the end of October.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news