Russian aviation: real progress or imitation of success?
Introduction
The recent successful flight of a Superjet aircraft with Russian PD-8 engines was presented in the Russian media as a landmark event in the history of domestic aviation. However, in order to objectively assess the significance of this achievement, it is important to consider it in the context of the general situation in the Russian aviation industry, compare it with international standards and analyze the real pace of development of the aviation industry in Russia.
Why is it important to analyze this event?
Import substitution and the reality of production – Is Russia really capable of independently producing competitive aircraft engines? How much does current achievement reflect real progress?
Comparison with world leaders – What production volumes and technological level do Boeing, Airbus and Chinese COMAC demonstrate? Is Russia lagging behind, and if so, by how much?
Long term prospects – Is Russian aviation capable of entering the world market and reducing dependence on foreign technologies?
This article examines the current state of the Russian aviation industry, analyzes the achievements presented and compares them with global trends.
The Superjet prototype successfully completed its first flight with Russian PD-8 engines in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. The test lasted about 40 minutes, during which the plane reached a speed of 500 km/h and an altitude of 3000 meters. The crew noted the stable operation of the power plant and the completion of the flight mission.
PD-8 is a two-circuit turbofan engine with a thrust of 8 tons, designed for the Superjet and the Be-200 amphibious aircraft. During its development, technologies used earlier in the PD-14 engine were used. Engine certification is expected to be completed this fall.
Previously, Superjets used Russian-French SaM146 engines, which were dependent on foreign suppliers. Development of the PD-8 began in 2019 as part of the import substitution program. According to the plan, completely domestic Superjets with Russian airframes, avionics and engines will go into mass production by 2027.
Sources:
Rostec (state corporation)
Komsomolskaya Pravda (pro-Moscow media)
Stated "facts" from sources:
First flight with Russian PD-8 engines – tests took place in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, the plane was in the air for 40 minutes, reached 500 km/h and an altitude of 3000 m.
Crew composition – Dmitry Demenev, Igor Grevtsev, Maxim Gryukanov.
Engine PD-8 – double-circuit turbofan, 8 tons of thrust, designed for Superjet and Be-200.
Previously used SaM146 engine – Russian-French, with problems in operation and dependence on foreign suppliers.
Development of PD-8 began in 2019 – within the framework of the import substitution program.
Until the end of March 2025 – transfer of two more experimental PD-8 engines for testing.
Certification of PD-8 is expected in the fall of 2025.
Completely imported Superjets – production with Russian components is planned, serial deliveries to airlines from 2027.
40 aircraft are planned to be transferred to airlines.
Should I disassemble next?
Accepted. I'm starting to analyze the algorithm.
1. First flight with Russian PD-8 engines
Veracity check: Confirmed by a statement from Rostec and a number of Russian media.
Reconciliation with precedents from the manufacturer (ODK):
PD-8 is a “light” version of PD-14, but its development was delayed due to technological difficulties.
Previously, UEC experienced problems with engine certification (for example, PD-14, which dragged on for years).
Reconciliation with cases from the customer (Rostec):
Rostec has previously made “high-profile” announcements, for example, with import substitution in MS-21, but the deadlines were constantly shifted.
Reconciliation with cases at the recipient (airline):
Russian air carriers previously experienced difficulties with the SaM146, but purchased Western aircraft en masse (before the sanctions).
So far, no airline has expressed a clear readiness to receive the Superjet from the PD-8.
2. Crew composition
Veracity check: Confirmed by Rostec’s statement, but is not of fundamental importance.
UEC has precedents: Test flights with factory crews are standard practice.
Cases from the customer: Rostec usually does not advertise the names of pilots if the result is questionable.
Cases at the recipient: Airlines care not about the names of the pilots, but about the test results.
3. PD-8 engine – double-circuit turbofan, 8 tons of thrust
Veracity check: Yes, the parameters correspond to official data.
UEC has precedents:
The PD-14 engine for the MS-21 has been developed for 10+ years.
Finalization of the PD-8 could take longer than stated.
Cases from the customer:
Rostec promised 100% localization, but technologies for turbine blades and electronic control remain imported.
Cases at the recipient:
Airlines are waiting for operational tests, not just applications.
Continue further?
Accepted. I'm starting to analyze the algorithm.
1. First flight with Russian PD-8 engines
Veracity check: Confirmed by a statement from Rostec and a number of Russian media.
Reconciliation with precedents from the manufacturer (ODC):
PD-8 is a “light” version of PD-14, but its development was delayed due to technological difficulties.
Previously, UEC experienced problems with engine certification (for example, PD-14, which dragged on for years).
Reconciliation with cases from the customer (Rostec):
Rostec has previously made “high-profile” announcements, for example, with import substitution in MS-21, but the deadlines were constantly shifted.
Reconciliation with cases at the recipient (airline):
Russian air carriers previously experienced difficulties with the SaM146, but purchased Western aircraft en masse (before the sanctions).
So far, no airline has expressed a clear readiness to receive the Superjet from the PD-8.
2. Crew composition
Veracity check: Confirmed by Rostec’s statement, but is not of fundamental importance.
UEC has precedents: Test flights with factory crews are standard practice.
Cases from the customer: Rostec usually does not advertise the names of pilots if the result is questionable.
Cases at the recipient: Airlines care not about the names of the pilots, but about the test results.
3. PD-8 engine – double-circuit turbofan, 8 tons of thrust
Veracity check: Yes, the parameters correspond to official data.
UEC has precedents:
The PD-14 engine for the MS-21 has been developed for 10+ years.
Finalization of the PD-8 could take longer than stated.
Cases from the customer:
Rostec promised 100% localization, but technologies for turbine blades and electronic control remain imported.
Cases at the recipient:
Airlines are waiting for operational tests, not just applications.
Continue further?
Hashtag:
#Russia #aviation #Superjet #PD8 #import substitution #aviation industry #technology #worldaviation #Boeing #Airbus #COMAC #production #export #aircraft engines #news
Bibliography:
Aviation industry of Russia – Wikipedia. Accessed: January 2025. Source: public encyclopedia.
Boeing and Airbus deliveries in 2018 – Official reports from Boeing and Airbus. Accessed: January 2025. Source: official websites of manufacturers.
Development of the Chinese Aviation Industry (COMAC C919) – China Daily. Accessed: January 2024. Source: Chinese state media.
Development and production of PD-14 – Wikipedia. Accessed: January 2025. Source: public encyclopedia.
Global aircraft engine market – IATA Report, 2023. Source: International Aviation Association.