Industry Sukhoi tests Superjet with Saberlets

Russia’s regional jet the Sukhoi Superjet 100 has successfully performed a first test flight with new wingtips. The saber-like configuration of the tips installed on to the Sukhoi Superjet 100 is the result of a cooperation in the fields of research, engineering and experimental activities carried out by the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company with the assistance of Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI).

In a press release, Sukhoi states that the new sabertips shall improve the take-off and landing performance and decrease the fuel consumption for around 3%. The expected improvement of the take-off and landing characteristics should be obvious for the carriers operating the aircraft at regional runways and in hot weather conditions as well as on mountain aerodromes (Hot&High).

«Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company is consequently implementing the Sukhoi Superjet 100 improvement program aiming at market expansion and the increase of the number of Customers, the current Operators satisfaction level growth and the maintenance of the high competitive level of the product. The wing tips installation being the part of the improvement program will provide the operators with cost cut up to $70 000 per year per one SSJ100», points the President of the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company Alexander Rubtsov.

Sukhoi will continue testing the new saberlets and try to receive the certification in the next months. The installation of the tips should not only be possible for new aircraft but to the already delivered aircraft as well.

Sukhoi’s Superjet 100 took off for a first flight in 2008. The first aircraft was delivered to Armavia in 2011. Currently Russia’s Aeroflot, Gazpromavia and the international airlines Interjet and City Jet operate the regional aircraft with 98 seats in a standard seat configuration. In December 2017, Aeroflot has received the 35th aircraft of this type.