December 21, 2010, Zhukovsky

Sukhoi Superjet 100 completed two tests of vital importance for final AR IAC certification – emergency evacuation testing and rejected takeoff with maximum braking kinetic energy.

According to the certification requirements to the emergency evacuation testing the SSJ100 SN 95007 had 90 seconds to get all 98 volunteers of different age groups and 5 crew members off the plane. The tests were carried out under the supervision of AR IAC and EASA authorities. The first production aircraft was placed in a darkened hangar of the Flight Test Center in Zhukovsky. The results were evaluated through the synchronized video recording from the passenger cabin and outside each of the two emergency slides.

The tests demonstrated the aircraft compliance to the certification requirements, having confirmed that 73 seconds is sufficient for the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew.

Under the supervision of AR IAC Sukhoi Superjet 100 SN 95003 has successfully completed the most difficult certification test case – rejected takeoff with maximum braking kinetic energy.

The rejected takeoff is performed for the overall check of wheels, tires and brakes at maximum possible braking speed. The braking speed parameters are set for the conditions of hot and high airport with maximum tailwind. It is worth mentioning that brakes at the start are worn down to minimum thickness. In full compliance with the certification requirements the tests are performed without thrust reverser.

The key indicator successful brakes performance at rejected takeoff is the capability of the airplane to confirm the estimated distance before full stop and its ability to stay without catching fire until full passengers’ evacuation.

Prior to testing Goodrich and Michelin (suppliers of brakes, wheels and tires) had conducted extensive test bench simulations.

During the rejected takeoff tests, SCAC’s chief test pilot Alexander Yablontsev slammed on brakes of the aircraft loaded to its maximum takeoff weight (45880 kg) at the speed over 300km/h. With its jammed brakes the aircraft travelled another 700 as expected.

The results of the tests demonstrated full compliance of Sukhoi Superjet 100 with EASA and AR IAC certification requirements. After full stop of the aircraft no wheel inflammation has occurred.

These tests provided another evidence of Sukhoi Superjet 100 compliance with certification requirements and its utmost reliability and safety.