Good news for the Superjet program: the SaM146, developed by a 50/50 Snecma/NPO Saturn joint venture for the Sukhoi Superjet, has received EASA certification. This is an important step forward - it had repeatedly been said that the engine was the main issue holding up the program, in terms of certification but also in production. This achievement should help clear the way for type certification & first deliveries before the end of the year, as per the latest plan announced by Sukhoi.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) today handed over the type certificate for the SaM146 engine in a ceremony held in Cologne. It is the first EASA certified engine jointly designed and produced in Europe and in Russia. Approval by the Russian certification agency, Interstate Aviation Committee - Avia Register, is expected within a few weeks.

Patrick Goudou, EASA Executive Director declared: “This certification shows that the SaM146 engine fully complies with EU safety regulations. It is the culmination of a particularly successful collaboration between PowerJet, the Interstate Aviation Committee of Russia and EASA.”

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http://www.easa.europa.eu/ws_prod/g/doc/pr/PRen23062010.html

[Edited 2010-06-24 11:59:59 by srbmod]