Showing posts with label Sukhoi Superjet 100. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sukhoi Superjet 100. Show all posts

01 September, 2024

Sukhoi Superjet 100.....

The Sukhoi Superjet 100, also known as the SSJ100, represents a significant chapter in the history of aviation as the first commercial aircraft developed and produced in post-Soviet Russia. The inception of the SSJ100 project dates back to the early 2000s, with the establishment of JSC Sukhoi in May 2000, marking the beginning of a new era for the Russian aviation industry. The development of the SSJ100 was driven by the recognition of a market need for a modern regional jet capable of competing on a global scale, particularly against established Western manufacturers.

The initial phase of the SSJ100's development focused on market analysis, which led to the identification of a niche for an aircraft with a range of 3,000 to 4,500 kilometers, exceeding the typical regional jet's capabilities. This analysis resulted in the conceptualization of three variants: the RRJ60, RRJ75, and RRJ95, with seating capacities tailored to market demands. The design phase was characterized by a collaboration between Sukhoi and international partners, including Boeing, which provided expertise in various aspects of aircraft development, from engineering to certification.


The maiden flight of the SSJ100 on 19 May 2008 marked a milestone for Sukhoi, demonstrating the successful culmination of years of design and development work. The aircraft's entry into commercial service with Armavia on 21 April 2011 signified its readiness to compete in the regional jet market. The SSJ100, with a typical seating capacity of 87 to 98 passengers, was powered by PowerJet SaM146 turbofans, a joint venture between French Safran and Russian NPO Saturn, showcasing the international cooperation that underpinned the project.

However, the journey of the SSJ100 has not been without challenges. The aircraft has faced scrutiny and setbacks, including hull loss accidents and the impact of geopolitical events on its operational viability. The sanctions imposed on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 led to a significant shift in the SSJ100's production and development. The sanctions halted the supply of Western components, prompting a "Russification" process that saw the replacement of these components with domestically produced alternatives, including the Aviadvigatel PD-8 engines.

The rebranding of the parent company Irkut as Yakovlev and the subsequent renaming of the Superjet to SJ-100 in August 2023 reflect the ongoing evolution of the SSJ100 project in response to changing market and political conditions. Despite the uncertainties and the reduction in production numbers reported in 2023, the SSJ100 remains a symbol of Russia's ambition to reclaim a prominent position in the commercial aviation market.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) has a safety record that reflects both its technological advancements and the challenges faced by modern aviation. Since its first commercial flight in 2011, the SSJ100 has been involved in four hull loss accidents resulting in 89 fatalities as of July 2024. These incidents have been scrutinized by aviation experts and regulatory bodies to ensure continuous improvement in aviation safety standards.

The first notable incident occurred on 9 May 2012, when an SSJ100 crashed during a demonstration flight in Indonesia, claiming 45 lives. The investigation concluded that pilot error, compounded by a complex interaction with the terrain warning system, was the primary cause. This tragic event highlighted the importance of comprehensive pilot training and the need for clear communication between flight crews and automated systems.

A Yakutia Airlines SSJ100 slid off the runway at Yakutsk Airport on 10 October 2018 as the main landing gear collapsed. The crew managed to evacuate all 87 passengers without serious injury.

Another significant accident took place on 5 May 2019, when an Aeroflot-operated SSJ100 made an emergency landing at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, leading to 41 deaths. The aircraft was struck by lightning shortly after takeoff, which caused electrical failures and forced the pilots to return to the airport. The subsequent hard landing where the aircraft bounced a number of times before a fire engulfed the rear of the aircraft, raised questions about aircraft resilience and emergency response protocols.

On 12 July 2024, a Gazpromavia SSJ100 crashed near Kolomna whilst operating a test flight, a flight crew of three were killed in the incident. On August 30, 2024, the Russian Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK) released a preliminary report on the fatal crash which stated the plane took off as expected, however, soon after, the crew received multiple error messages regarding speed and navigation systems. The crew experienced further complications during the climb, including overspeed warnings and issues with the automatic deployment of speed brakes. After the autopilot and autothrottle were disengaged while the aircraft was at 4500 feet approximately but the crew struggled to control the jet manually. Despite efforts to manage speed and climb, the aircraft continued to descend and eventually crashed. 

In response to these events, Sukhoi has taken steps to enhance the SSJ100's safety features and improve pilot training programs. The company has worked closely with aviation authorities to implement recommendations from accident investigations, focusing on areas such as avionics software updates, crew resource management, and emergency procedures.

Moreover, the SSJ100's safety record must be viewed in the context of its operational history. By November 2021, the fleet had logged over 2,000,000 flight hours, demonstrating an 'official' level of reliability in line with other regional jets in its class. The aircraft's performance and safety are said to be continuously monitored through rigorous maintenance protocols and regular oversight by aviation regulatory bodies.

The introduction of the Russified version of the SSJ100, with domestically produced components and the Aviadvigatel PD-8 engines, represents a new chapter in the aircraft's history. This transition aims to ensure the SSJ100's compliance with Russian aviation standards and reduce reliance on foreign parts, potentially impacting its safety record and operational performance.

As the SSJ100 continues to serve airlines and passengers, its safety record will evolve with advancements in technology, industry practices, and regulatory frameworks. The commitment to safety by Sukhoi and the broader aviation community is paramount, as it is the cornerstone upon which the trust and reliability of the SSJ100 are built. The ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures and learn from past incidents are crucial for the future success of the SSJ100 and the safety of all who fly aboard it.

In conclusion, the development of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a testament to the complexities of modern aircraft development, characterized by technological innovation and initially international collaboration, and the influence of geopolitical dynamics. yet, the SSJ100's journey from its inception to its current state is one of change and adaptability required to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the Russian aviation industry. Perhaps it will go down in history as a case study concerning the interplay between technology, politics, and market forces and reliability in the realm of commercial aviation.
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12 July, 2024

Sukhoi Superjet 100 jet crashes into forest

A Sukhoi Superjet 100 jet has crashed in a forest near the town of Kolomna, Russian State media has reported today.



According to the latest reports, the jet wasn't carrying passengers at the time of the incident but all three crew members had perished in the crash. It would appear that the plane was operating a test flight following a recent repair when it came down in a wooded area.   The aircraft belonged to Gazpromavia, the energy provider's own airline which had entered service in 2014.

 


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The Sukhoi Superjet 100, is a regional jet with a capacity of between 87 and 98 passengers, it was designed and manufactured by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft.  Development began in 2000, and the SSJ100 made its maiden flight on May 19, 2008. The first commercial flight occurred on April 21, 2011, with Armavia. The twin-jet has a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 46–49 tons and is used by a small number of airlines including Aeroflot. 

The SSJ100 is powered by two PowerJet SaM146 turbofans, jointly developed by French Safran and Russian NPO Saturn. These engines provide 77–79 kN (17,000–18,000 lb f) of thrust.

As of November 2021, the fleet had logged over 2 million flight hours. However, before this latest crash, the SSJ100 has suffered three hull loss accidents resulting in 86 fatalities.

In 2022, Sukhoi announced a 'Russified' version, replacing Western components with domestic alternatives which had been put on a sanction list following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.  The company confirmed at the time, that the Aviadvigatel PD-8 engine would replace the existing ones.  It is unclear at this stage what engines today's crashed aircraft was powered by. 

Gazpromavia was established in 1995 and is based in Moscow. it operates passenger and cargo services, along with domestic and international charter flights. The carrier's home base is Ostafyevo Airport, where the majority of its fleet is based. The Company operates more than 30 fixed-winged aircraft of the following types: Boeing 737–700, Sukhoi Superjet 100, Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy, Dassault Falcon 900B, Yakovlev-42D, Yakovlev-40, Tupolev-154M, Antonov-74, Ilyushin-76TD and more than 100 helicopters: Mi-2, Mi-171A, Mi-8 and Kamov-26.




13 September, 2022

Aeroflot and UAC sign agreement for purchase of 339 Russian-made aircraft

Sergey Aleksandrovsky, General Director of PJSC Aeroflot and Yury Slyusar, General Director of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Rostec State Corporation, signed an agreement of intent to purchase 339 Russian aircraft at the 7th Eastern Economic Forum.

The agreement provides for the delivery of 210 MC-21 aircraft, 89 SSJ-NEW aircraft, and 40 Tu-214 aircraft to Aeroflot Group under leasing terms from 2023 to 2030. The document states that the Group will receive first two Superjet-NEW aircraft in 2023, and starting from 2024, deliveries of first six MC-21 aircraft and the first seven Tu-214 aircraft are planned.

"Today we signed the biggest agreement on the purchase of Russian-made aircraft in the recent history of Aeroflot. This is an important step that sets the stimulus and influences the future prospects for the development of civil aviation in Russia."   Sergey Aleksandrovsky said.

"Historical changes are coming to civil aviation. Boeing and Airbus aircraft, which are unlikely to ever be delivered to Russia again, will be replaced by Russian-made passenger aircraft. Out of the 339 aircraft, almost 300 are new-generation MC-21 and Superjet aircraft. Tu-214 will become a reliable support" - Sergey Chemezov, Director General of Rostec State Corporation. He also raised the point that the aircraft would be delivered with Russian-made onboard systems and components, which previously was not the case.  Key navigational and avionic systems as well as engines and other components were made in Europe and the U.S.. The airworthiness and effectiveness of Russian-made replacements have yet to be established. 

"Through Aeroflot Group, we are getting a reliable partner for entry into service of new generation Russian-made airliners. Given the unprecedented volume of the contract, its execution becomes one of UAC's top priorities for the coming years". said Yury Slyusar.







31 December, 2020

Rossiya’s Superjet 100 will operate the first passenger flight on January 1

Photo Stanislav2003

The Russian airline Rossiya has now confirmed it is completely ready to operate flights on Sukhoi Superjet SSJ100, which is the latest addition to the fleet from parent airline Aeroflot.

The start of operations of Superjet SSJ100 is part of a major new strategy of The Aeroflot Group, which according to Rossiya, will see the carrier focus on the implementation of mainline and regional air transportation within Russia.  Its main function will be to provide convenient connections, both with its own flights and with Aeroflot flights at new base of  Sheremetyevo International Airport.

It is this new strategy that will see the vast bulk of Aeroflot's SSJ100s passed to Rossiya, which should see around 66 of the jets eventually fly in Rossiya's colours by the end of 2021.   

Nizhny Novgorod and Belgorod will be the first destinations in Rossiya’s route network, which will begin to operate flights on Superjet 100 from 1st January.

19 February, 2020

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation creates Commercial Aviation Division

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) forges corporate and business processes to form the Commercial Aviation Division. In accordance with the decision of the UAC’ Board of Directors, JSC Sukhoi Civil Aircraft and LLC UAC - Aggregation Center will join the PJSC Irkut Corporation as subsidiaries. As part of the Division, subsidiaries retain core competencies in the development and production of aircraft.

The main efforts of the Division in the near future will be focused, first of all, on the completion of MC-21-300 tests and the serial production establishment, modernization of Superjet 100 and its business version, the creation of a unified system of MRO and marketing.

Consolidation of the main scientific and production capacities of civil aircraft industry will allow more efficient implementation of existing programs and development of prospective projects.

It is planned to achieve significant progress in the field of after-sales support service, optimize operational processes and, ultimately, significantly increase the attractiveness of Russian commercial aircraft in the market. Measures to resolve existing intra-group obligations and accomplishing of the formation of the share capital structure will be implemented during 2020.









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03 April, 2019

Not so super for Sukhoi as Adria cancels order for 15 SSJ100 jets


SSJ100                                   Photo SCAC
Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (SCAC) has been left reeling this week after the Slovenian national carrier, Adria Airways has cancelled its 15 aircraft deal to lease 15 SSJ100's.

The  Ljubljana Airport based carrier signed a 'Memorandum of Understanding' with the Russian aircraft manufacturer back on November 26th last year for the long term lease of 15 of the firms Superjet SSJ100 aircraft.  However, Adria Airways now says it has been unable to finalise the deal as it has doubts Sukhoi's ability to commit "to a fair and stable long-term partnership".

The airline had been intensively preparing for the arrival of the aircraft but shareholders and management decided they could no longer commit to the deal. "We are naturally disappointed that the collaboration with Sukhoi did not reach a successful conclusion, but the partnership was only viable if given objectives set by the strategic business plan were attainable. Unfortunately, in this case, we did not think this is possible," said Holger Kowarsch, the Managing Director of Adria Airways. 

30 December, 2018

The First SSJ100 delivered to Severstal

On December, 26th  Severstal Aircompany received its first SSJ100 according to the terms of the Agreement between the Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi Civil Aircraft and the GTLK (State Transport Leasing Company).

The aircraft with the registration RA-89117 performed a delivery ferry flight from SCAC Delivery Center in Zhukovsky to Cherepovets, the home airport of the airline. According to the terms of the agreement the carrier is set to receive four SSJ100's next yeat in a single class configuration, which thw airline has the option of changing to the two-class layout.




29 December, 2018

Thai Kom Airlines shows an interesting the Sukhoi Superjet SSJ100 as the Russian planemaker looks like it will lose its only European customer next year

Sukhoi Superjet SSJ100                       Photo CityJet
Thai Kom Airlines Company has signed a letter of intent (LOI)  with the Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi Civil Aircraft for six Sukhoi Superjets SSJ100's. The LOI was signed at the presence of the Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov on December 27th.

The deal, once confirmed, would see the aircraft configured with 100 seats and delivered to the carrier during 2019-20. The super efficient and comfortable aircraft would be used on the carriers local and regional routes. 

It is expected Thai Kom will confirm the order during the first two months of 2019 and would be good news for the Russian planemaker, who may be in the process of losing its sole European customer. 

17 December, 2018

ADRIA Airways signed a Letter of Intent for 15 Sukhoi Superjet SSJ100 and joint venture

Minister of industry and trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov said that JSC “Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company” and ADRIA Airways signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 15 SSJ100 aircraft. The delivery is to be started at the beginning of 2019. They will be handed over under a long-term lease arrangement. In addition, both Parties signed Memorandum of Understanding upon establishing an SSJ100 Maintenance and Repair Organization (MRO) at Ljubljana Airport (Slovenia).

16 October, 2018

Yakutia Sukhoi Superjet100 damaged beyond repair in runway overun incident

An investigation is underway into why a Sukhoi Superjet 100 of  Yakutia Airline overran the runway on 10th October at Yakutsk International Airport not long after three in the morning.

There were no fatalities during the incident although a small number of the passengers did require medical assistance according to the airline. The SSJ100, registration RA-89011 was on a flight from Ulan-Ude, in Buryatia and was carrying 91 passengers and 5 crew.

The runway at Yakutsk International Airport is undergoing a programme of repair and refurbishment at the time of the incident. According to local media the aircraft touched down and landed normally on part of the runway that has finished being reconstructed.  However, it failed to stop before continuing onto an unfinished part of the runway which included a hump, which caused the main landing gear to collapse. The crew deployed the emergency slides for passengers and crew to escape the aircraft on the runway.

The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has released a video of the damaged aircraft on the runway which shows the forward landing gear off the ground as the nose points skywards, the main gear collapsed forcing the rear fuselage on the ground.

25 September, 2018

The 50th Sukhoi Superjet 100 for Aeroflot

This week has been a major milestone for both Aeroflot and for the United Aircraft Corporation as the 50th Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ 100) is delivered to the leading Russian airline.

This 50th jet marks the successful completion of two firm orders for 30 and 20 of the aircraft the leading Russian airline had made. Aeroflot has given this 50th Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ 100) aircraft the registration RA-89115, and named it after the Russian painter Vasily Polenov. 

The official presentation of the new aircraft took place on Tuesday, at Sheremetyevo airport, with senior management from both Aeroflot and United Aircraft Corporation present.

Vitaly Saveliev, CEO of Aeroflot, said, “Aeroflot is pleased to welcome its 50th Superjet 100. Earlier this month, at the Eastern Economic Forum, we signed a major aircraft delivery agreement to receive 100 more modern Russian-built SSJ100 aircraft, with President Putin present for the signing ceremony. This agreement will bring the total number of Russian-built aircraft in Aeroflot’s fleet to 200, 50 of which will be the innovative MC-21."

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