Sukhoi Superjet 100

Sukhoi Superjet 100
SuperJet International · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Sukhoi Superjet 100
Caption	Sukhoi Superjet 100 in flight
Type	Regional jet
Manufacturer	Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company
First flight	2008
Introduced	2011
Status	Active
Produced	2007–present
Number built	~200
Developed from	Sukhoi Design Bureau projects

Sukhoi Superjet 100. The Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a twin-engine regional jet developed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company for short- to medium-haul routes, introduced into service in 2011. It was designed and marketed to compete with regional jets from Bombardier Aerospace, Embraer and Airbus, and has been operated by carriers including Aeroflot, Interjet, and Yakutia Airlines. The programme combined Russian design heritage with Western systems sourced from suppliers such as Rolls-Royce, Honeywell International Inc., and Thales Group.

Development

The Superjet programme was announced by the Sukhoi Company and United Aircraft Corporation in the early 2000s, aiming to revive Russian civil aviation after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Seed funding and orders were obtained from entities such as Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company stakeholders, regional leasing firms and launch customers like Armavia, which promoted regional connectivity across the Caucasus. The prototype made its maiden flight in 2008 and certification efforts involved agencies including the Federal Air Transport Agency (Russia) and collaboration with European Union Aviation Safety Agency partners for export approvals. International partnerships with suppliers such as Goodrich Corporation and Safran provided avionics, landing gear and cabin systems, while marketing relied on airshows like the MAKS Air Show and the Farnborough Airshow.

Design

The airframe traces conceptual lineage to Sukhoi military and civil design work by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and features a carbon-fibre wingbox developed with assistance from international aerospace contractors. Propulsion is provided by Rolls-Royce BR710-derived PowerJet SaM146 turbofan engines, developed through a joint venture involving NPO Saturn and PowerJet. The avionics suite incorporates systems from Honeywell International Inc. and Thales Group, with fly-by-wire influence from contemporary programmes like the Airbus A320 family and Boeing 737 Next Generation. Cabin interiors were developed in cooperation with designers who previously worked on products for Ilyushin and Tupolev programmes, aiming for competitive passenger comfort on routes served by carriers such as Aeroflot and Interjet.

Operational history

Following entry into service with Armavia and Aeroflot, the Superjet 100 saw early commercial use on routes connecting hubs like Moscow Domodedovo Airport, Yerevan Zvartnots International Airport, and Mexico City International Airport via Interjet operations. The programme faced operational challenges involving after-sales support, spare parts logistics, and pilot type-conversion training often coordinated with training centres such as those operated by Kazan Aircraft Production Association and contractor providers including Lufthansa Flight Training. Export ambitions included deals with airlines and leasing companies from Argentina, Indonesia, and Thailand, while geopolitical factors and sanctions involving European Union and United States policies affected components supply chains and aftermarket support.

Variants

Production variants have included the baseline in multiple seat configurations marketed for 75–98 passengers and stretched or extended-range versions proposed to compete with models from Bombardier CRJ and Embraer E-Jets. Proposed military and special mission derivatives drew on experience from Sukhoi’s military projects like the Su-27 family and civilised conversions similar to Ilyushin Il-76 special mission platforms. Cargo, VIP and corporate layouts were offered to customers such as state operators and leasing firms including SMBC Aviation Capital and Avia Capital Services.

Operators

Commercial operators have ranged from national carriers such as Aeroflot and Interjet to regional and charter airlines including Yakutia Airlines, Azimuth Airlines, and Nordavia. Leasing companies and government operators also feature in the operator list, with deployments at airports like Sheremetyevo International Airport, Domodedovo International Airport, and regional hubs throughout Russia and Latin America.

Accidents and incidents

The Superjet 100 fleet has been involved in several high-profile incidents investigated by agencies such as the Interstate Aviation Committee and national civil aviation authorities. Notable events include accidents that prompted scrutiny from investigative bodies like the Investigative Committee of Russia and led to operational restrictions and safety recommendations implemented by operators and regulators such as Rosaviatsiya and counterparts in other states. Investigations referenced flight data recorders, cockpit voice recorders, and manufacturing partners to assess contributing factors, with outcomes influencing maintenance regimes and crew training standards promoted by organisations such as International Civil Aviation Organization.

Category:Regional airliners Category:Sukhoi aircraft Category:2000s Russian airliners