TsAGI’s research improves the SSJ100

PR

In February specialists of the Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute named after professor N.E. Zhukovsky (TsAGI, part of the National Research Center “Institute named after N.E. Zhukovsky”) started to research the strength of a modified door of the main landing gear of the airliner SSJ100.

The main goal of the work is to improve the Sukhoi Superjet 100 fleet. Today the aircraft is fitted with a two-part door of standard design. To enhance aerodynamic characteristics of the SSJ100, the designer, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company, has modified the landing gear door design: a new modification consists of a single part, which is manufactured with the use of composite materials.

Initially, TsAGI will carry out experiments to verify the service life of the door. Then, it will be exposed to maximum operating loads, which may develop during a real flight, thus researching the residual strength. Institute specialists plan to run about 80,000 flight cycles in total.

“Improving an existing aircraft is a normal practice all over the world,” Victor Tsygankov, the Head of TsAGI’s Static and Thermal Strength Department, explained. “With minor changes, designers try to make an aircraft more cost effective, comfortable and safe. Thus, a modified door of the main landing gear will allow increasing the lift/drag ratio of the SSJ100 and reducing its takeoff run. To