The second Sukhoi Superjet SSJ100 successfully completed its high-altitude flight test campaign in Armenia this week, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (SCAC) announced yesterday. According to SCAC, the tests confirmed all design takeoff and landing characteristics and ensure safe and reliable operation from airfields situated as high as 10,000 feet.

On September 21, S/N 95003 landed at SCAC’s flight test center in Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, after executing a series of tests from Shirak International Airport in Gyumri, Armenia, which sits at 5,000 feet. Built in 1961, the airfield now meets ICAO first class airport requirements after a 2007 upgrade, although surrounding mountains allow takeoffs and landings on its 10,564-foot runway only from its southern side.

Performed by SCAC senior test pilot Alexander Yablontsev, test pilot Vadim Shirokikh with the help of CIS Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK) test pilot Mikhail Torokhov, the program of tests included continued takeoff and one-engine inoperative (OEI) missed approach flights. The crew performed the majority of takeoffs with one engine at maximum takeoff weights.

Sukhoi expects the Superjet to gain domestic certification by the end of the year and to deliver the first airplane to launch customer Aeroflot early next year.