The PD-8 aircraft engine developed by the United Engine Corporation (UEC, part of the state tech corporation Rostec) for the SJ-100 aircraft has been successfully tested against a hailstorm cloud as part of certification procedures, demonstrating reliable performance, Rostec reported.

"The tests confirmed the PD-8’s reliability when the aircraft is exposed to hail. The engine remained stable and continued to operate normally. The mechanical strength of the blade edges, components, and parts has been verified. This further demonstrates the validity of the design and technological solutions applied by UEC engineers in developing the PD-8," said Fyodor Mironov, UEC deputy sales director, as quoted in the statement.

The tests took place on an open rig at the Rybinsk-based UEC-Saturn enterprise, where the aircraft’s exposure to hailstorm conditions was simulated at various altitudes and flight speeds, with different air temperatures and engine operating modes.

"More than three tons of 16mm diameter ice pellets were produced for testing. About 2.5 tons of hail were used in preparation, during commissioning and equipment setup. During the tests, the engine received ice charges totaling about 220 kg from a special four-barrel cannon over a period of 30 seconds. The ice struck the engine at a velocity of 240 meters per second," according to the statement.