VIVAERO

Resisting 220 kg of ice, Russian PD-8 aircraft engine passed hail ingestion resistance tests

The new PD-8 aircraft engine, developed and manufactured by the United Engine Corporation (UEC) of the Russian Rostec State Corporation, was tested in hailstorm conditions as part of certification tests. The engine demonstrated reliable operation even in this extreme situation.

The tests were conducted on an open test bench at the UEC-Saturn plant based in Rybinsk, which has unique equipment. The tests simulated the aircraft's exposure to hailstorms at various altitudes and flight speeds, air temperatures, and engine operating modes, including engine start-up, acceleration, and deceleration.

More than three tons of ice pellets with a diameter of 16 mm were produced for the tests. Approximately 2.5 tons of hail were used in preparation for the tests. During the test, the engine received approximately 220 kg of ice from a special four-barrel cannon in 30 seconds. The ice traveled at speeds of up to 240 meters per second.

“The tests proved the reliability of the PD-8 in the event of an aircraft encountering hail. The engine remained stable and continued to operate normally. The mechanical strength of the blade edges, components, and parts was confirmed. This further demonstrates the validity of the design and technological solutions employed by UEC engineers in the development of the PD-8,” said Fyodor Mironov, Deputy Director of Sales at UEC.

The PD-8 engine was previously tested in freezing conditions at the Central Institute of Aviation Engines (CIAM) and on a Superjet aircraft during flights in the Arkhangelsk region. It also successfully completed 150 hours of tests simulating long-term operation.

Certification tests for bird and water ingestion, as well as fan blade failure (front fan), were conducted on the UEC-Saturn open test bench. All tests demonstrated the reliability and safety of the engine under critical conditions. Furthermore, the PD-8 confirmed its performance in crosswinds and during thrust reverser tests.

The PD-8 shunt turbofan engine was developed using advanced technologies and the latest domestic materials at the UEC-Saturn plant. This domestically produced 8-ton thrust power plant is designed to power the Superjet 100 short-range aircraft and the Be-200 amphibious aircraft, both manufactured by the United Aircraft Corporation (also part of the Russian state-owned Rostec State Corporation).

Watch the hail simulation test in the video below:

by Vivaero