SUKHOI SUPERJET 100 ARRIVES IN ARMENIA FOR HIGH-ALTITUDE TESTS

Interfax
Sept 10 2009
Russia

The third prototype of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SSJ 100) aircraft
landed at Shirak airport in Gyumri, Armenia, on Thursday, Sukhoi Civil
Aircraft said in a press release obtained by Interfax-AVN on Thursday.

SSJ 100 will undergo an inspection of its takeoff and landing
characteristics and its ascending characteristics in high mountainous
conditions, the company said.

"These tests should demonstrate whether the aircraft is capable of
performing safe takeoffs and landings with an option of executing a
go- around in difficult conditions. Also, the tests will assess the
aircraft’s main systems and characteristics of its main and auxiliary
engines," the statement said.

Armavia, an Armenian airline company, will become the first foreign
operator of the Sukhoi Superjet 100. The first planes are due to be
supplied in late 2009.