Teams of JSC UEC-Aviadvigatel (part of Rostec United Engine Corporation) and Central Institute of Aviation Motors have carried out volcanic ash exposure tests of the PD-14 core engine. These tests were arranged under the PD-14 engine type certificate validation activities by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) with regard to compliance with CS-E 1050 Exposure to volcanic cloud hazards. Perm Design Bureau is the first engine-building company in Russia whose product passed the volcanic ash testing.
The core engine tests were conducted during the period of April 30 to June 8, 2021 on the Ts-17T CIAM test bench to assess the PD-14 engine performance under exposure to volcanic ash. In accordance with the test program, the aircraft cruise flight conditions were simulated for one hour. The ash from the Kamchatka Shiveluch volcano was used for the test. The ash composition meets the requirements of certification specifications.
The test program was completed in full. Based on the subsequent core engine tear down, parts and components inspection and extrapolation of the core engine test results to the PD-14 engine, it may be concluded that:
in process of volcanic ash ingestion, the PD-14 core engine parameters remained practically the same;
parts of the compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, external system components (piping and electrical lines, etc.) are in good condition and fit for further operation;
an ingestion of volcanic ash into the PD-14 engine inlet will not result in a reduction of its thrust performance or any undesirable effects, thus ensuring safe operation of the aircraft with the PD-14 engines.
Based on the data obtained, UEC-Aviadvigatel specialists have issued recommendations for maintenance and flight operation of aircrafts with PD-14 engines in case of volcanic ash clouds or dust storm encounter.
The Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsya) representatives who witnessed the tests have pointed out the high-quality preparation and positive result of the work performed.
