PowerJet
| Company type | Joint venture |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, aircraft engine manufacturing |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Snecma (part of Safran), NPO Saturn |
| Headquarters | Villaroche and Rybinsk , France and Russia |
| Products | SaM146 engine, propulsion package including engine, nacelle, and components |
PowerJet is a joint venture equally owned by French and Russian partners, founded in 2004 by the aerospace engine producers Snecma (part of Safran) and NPO Saturn. This enterprise oversees the SaM146 program, which serves as the sole powerplant for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft. Its responsibilities encompass the engine’s design, manufacturing, marketing efforts, and after-sales services. PowerJet supplies a comprehensive propulsion package that includes the engine itself, the nacelle, and associated components.
The company maintains two manufacturing facilities: one located in Villaroche (France) and the other situated in Rybinsk (Russia).
History
The collaboration between Snecma and NPO Saturn began in 1998 when Snecma subcontracted NPO Saturn to produce parts for the CFM56 engine. This partnership evolved into the creation of PowerJet in 2004.
In 2005, the VolgAero facility was launched in Rybinsk to produce components for the SaM146 engine along with parts for other engines developed by both parent firms.
By 2007, an open-air test cell dedicated to SaM146 certification was constructed near Rybinsk in Poluevo by Snecma and NPO Saturn. This testing site is one of a kind in Europe for this category of engines and also provides testing services for additional engine types.
PowerJet’s SaM146 engine received certification from EASA on 23 June 2010, followed by Russian certification in August of the same year. The Superjet 100 was subsequently introduced into commercial operation in 2011.
In March 2022, due to international sanctions linked to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, PowerJet halted all supply of parts, technical assistance, maintenance, and repair operations related to the SaM146 engine.