Experts of the Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute named after N. E. Zhukovsky (a member of the National Research Center “Zhukovsky Institute”) have completed another stage of service-life tests of the modified main landing gear door of the SSJ100 airliner. The project was commissioned by JSC Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Co.

Before the start of the tests TsAGI engineers applied normal shock damage on the unit that would be experienced during aircraft operations. Then the structure was subjected to cyclic loads equivalent to 108 thousand typical flights for closed- and open-door position. At the end of the tests TsAGI engineers did not find any signs of damage expansion or any new defects.

Experiments to confirm the service life of the unit are still underway. In order to ensure a high level of door reliability, another 52 thousand flight cycles will be needed. According to preliminary estimates, the tests will take about three months. In future trials TsAGI engineers plan to test the residual strength of the door.