The new Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional jet built by Russian manufacturer Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company is about to take off in a booming market. The regional jet market is heading for dynamic growth, with projected demand for more than 4,000 aircraft over the next 20 years.
Safran companies involved in the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100)
A total of 10 SAFRAN companies are contributing to the SSJ100, including roles on the engine: (Snecma, Hispano-Suiza, Techspace Aero, Cenco International, Microturbo, Snecma Propulsion Solide, Sofrance, Sagem ), nacelle (Aircelle), landing gear (Messier-Dowty) and fans (Technofan).
A dedicated organization for the SaM146 engine
Russia’s new regional jet is powered by the SaM146 engine, developed, produced and marketed by PowerJet, an equal joint venture created in July 2004 by Snecma and NPO Saturn. PowerJet will deliver a complete propulsion system, comprising both engine and nacelle. Snecma is in charge of the core (high-pressure section), control system (Fadec), accessory drive, propulsion system design integration and flight testing. NPO Saturn is responsible for the low-pressure section engine assembly and ground testing.
In 2005, Snecma and NPO Saturn also created a joint venture, VolgAero, to produce aircraft engine parts. Based in Rybinsk, VolgAero makes components for the SaM146, as well as parts and assemblies for other engines made by its two parent companies.
A new engine concept
The SaM146 engine developed by Snecma and NPO Saturn has been selected by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional aircraft, which is its first application. The SaM146 is the only engine purpose-designed for regional aircraft. It offers all the advantages demanded by this very competitive market in terms of low cost of ownership, high dispatch reliability, maintainability and environmental friendliness.
Incorporating proven yet advanced technologies, the SaM146 is a new concept: a complete propulsion system, comprising engine, nacelle and equipment. This means that end customers will have a single point of contact for their propulsion requirements.
The SaM146 develops 13,500 to 17,500 pounds of thrust, allowing airlines to use a single engine to power regional jets ranging from 70 to 120 seats class. By using a single engine for a family of aircraft, airlines will also reap the benefits of commonality and economies of scale.
PowerJet was founded as an environmentally-responsible company. State-of-the-art “green” technology for engine design and production & meets or exceeds the most stringent upcoming noise and emissions standards (including CO2 and NOx).
The SaM146 is targeting a significant reduction in maintenance costs compared with the current engines in this thrust class. PowerJet has set up a complete support organization, designed to meet all daily and long term airline expectations through Customer Support Management Team, a Customer Support Center (24/7), training support, flight operational support, etc.
A dedicated open-air test cell
Cenco International, a subsidiary of Techspace Aero (Safran Group), designed and built the SaM146 open-air test cell, located in Poluevo (near Rybinsk - Russia). This test rig covers three types of testing: performance, certification tests and acoustic certification of the propulsion system. This is the only open-air test cell for this type of engine in Russia and all of Europe. It is also suitable for tests of other engine types.
Program Status
In 2009, PowerJet has intensified its SaM146 test program leading to EASA certification. Six engines are now being used for the development and certification test programs.
PowerJet signed its first customer support agreement in June 2009, with the airline Armavia. This contract covers the SaM146 propulsion system on the airline’s upcoming fleet of Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional jets.
