The testing of Tu-204SM’s (number 64151) aircraft sensitivity has been successfully completed in October in the network of special certification testing program. The aircraft is powered by PS-90A2 engines. During these tests the jet has performed taxiing, takeoff and landing at the wet runway and runway covered with water. The liner has also passed tests under conditions of low and high temperatures (in Yakutsk and UAE respectively), press-service of Aviadvigatel reports. AEX.ru

The tests have been carried out in a special pool mounted at the airfield of Gromov Flight Research Institute (Zhukovsky, Moscow Region). The tests were aimed at evaluation of Tu-204SM’s takeoff and landing performance on the runway covered with water, the jet’s flying qualities under these conditions and performance of engines, auxiliary power unit (APU) and other aircraft systems.

«The tests assumed initiation of water flows caused by the interaction between the jet’s landing gear and water on the runway. It was necessary to trace the path of water flows, assess the possibility of ingress of moisture into engine and APU and evaluate their parameters. The engine performance was controlled using ASK-90 equipment and PKNO-90A2 console. The results of the runs have been recorded by video cameras located near the pool and on the jet’s airframe. The specialists of Tupolev Company, Gromov Flight Research Institute, GosNII GA, Aviadvigatel and Perm Engine Company have taken part in the testing», - the company noted.

Tu-204SM performed 8 runs on the runway covered with water and demonstrated good results by all the parameters. PS-90A2 engines have demonstrated steady operation during the tests. At present the obtained data is being processed and analyzed. It will later be used for further certification of the aircraft. The jet will undergo the final testing of this cycle soon - landing under conditions of real rain.

According to the chief designer of Tu-204SM, Oleg Alasheev, at present Tu-204SM is undergoing ground testing for fail-safe performance. «This is one of the key stages of certification testing aimed at comprehensive verification and objective assessment of the jet’s operating performance with various combinations of systems, devices and modules», - the aircraft’s chief designer said.
Tu-204SM powered by PS-90A2 engines has performed a total of 285 flights in the network of certification testing.