Sukhoi SSJ100

Russian aircraft builder Sukhoi has received vertical navigation (VNAV) certification for its Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ100) from the Aviation Register of Interstate Aviation Committee.

The supplemental type certificate allows the company to use VNAV functionality on the SSJ100 at all stages of flight.

The SSJ100 has become the first Russian-built aircraft to receive the certification at all stages of flight.

Sukhoi Civil Aircraft quality and certification first vice-president Igor Vinogradov said: "At the moment, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company is working on VNAV certification at IAC AR for the SSJ100 Long Range version.

"Moreover, the company plans to achieve validation by European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) of the VNAV functionality, certified by IAC AR, for the SSJ100 Basic and Long Range versions."

"The VNAV functionality calculates a vertical profile of the flight according to the assigned path, and speed and height restrictions for a specific route."

The VNAV functionality calculates a vertical profile of the flight according to the assigned path, and speed and height restrictions for a specific route, while providing pilots with vertical profile-keeping recommendations during climb and cruising.

It also ensures a fully automatic control during descend and approach.

Sukhoi said that the VNAV functionality of the SSJ100 decreases crew workload and complies with applicable restrictions.

The VNAV has been tested on ‘Electronic Bird’ integration bench and the SSJ100 test aircraft 95003 at Ramenskoe airfield in Zhukovskiy, Moscow.

The tests confirmed the accuracy of the vertical profile-keeping performance at all stages of flight, the company said.

Image: The SSJ100 has become the first Russian-built aircraft to receive the VNAV certification. Photo: courtesy of Katsuhiko Tokunaga / SuperJet International.

Defence Technology