On November 6, 2014, the airframe of  Sukhoi Superjet 100 long range aircraft was delivered to the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute named after N.E. Zhukovsky (TsAGI), for fatigue strength testing.

The SSJ100, certified model RRJ-95LR-100, production number 95075, was delivered disassembled by the AN-124 “Ruslan” freighter to the Ramenskoye airfield, in the town of Zhukovsky, near Moscow. Fuselage, wings and tail will soon be put together and special purpose load complex, measuring sensors and structure health monitoring systems will be adjusted to the assembled SSJ100 airframe.

”During the fatigue strength testing, all the primary elements of the aircraft structure will be checked under multiple loading conditions corresponding to all flight stages, including turbulence”, – said Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company Chief Designer Mr Vladimir Lavrov. “The test results will confirm both the stated aircraft service life and the programme of maintenance checks developed for this aircraft type and implemented during Customers’ fleet operations”.

In 2013, the Aviation Register of the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC AR) certified the long range version of Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft and confirmed its compliance with IAC AR regulations. That allowed Russian airlines to operate the SSJ100 long range version. At the moment, works are undergoing to achieve the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certificate for the long range version of Sukhoi Superjet 100.

The fatigue strength testing should confirm the designed service life of Sukhoi Superjet 100 long range aircraft: 70 000 flight hours and 54 000 cycles.

Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company and TsAGI have been working closely on the Sukhoi Superjet 100 Project since 2001. One of the largest scientific research center using the SSJ100 prototype with production number 95002 conducted airframe tests of static strength on the airframe in general, and on samples and separate aircraft units as well. The same center also conducted researches on the aircraft aerodynamics in wind tunnels.

Beyond the longer range of flight, the aircraft differs from the basic version of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 in an increased take-off weight – up to 49.45 tons compensated by the strengthened wing. This version of SSJ100 is equipped with a SaM146-1S18 engine with a 5% increased thrust.