First Prototype of Irkut's SSJ-New Undergoes Ground Tests Ahead of Maiden Flight

MOSCOW, RUSSIA —Irkut gears up for ground tests of SSJ-New prototype featuring more Russian components.

Irkut's inaugural SSJ-New prototype has been officially moved to the flight-test station in preparation for a sequence of evaluations prior to its initial flight.

Ground tests are now underway for the twinjet, a revamped model of the Superjet 100 that incorporates a higher proportion of components made in Russia.

United Aircraft, the aerospace corporation, has announced that the plane has undergone its first refueling process. The initial prototype is expected to continue utilizing the PowerJet SaM146 engines, while domestically-produced Aviadvigatel PD-8s will equip the second unit.

The new systems installed on the aircraft will undergo certification by Rosaviatsia, the federal air transport regulator.

Andrei Boginsky, Irkut's general director, stated, "In the coming weeks, we will test the operation of all new aircraft systems on the ground to confirm their proper functioning in the air."