Sukhoi's Superjet 100 aircraft has secured approval from Russian authorities to conduct take-off at reduced thrust.

The enhanced certification allows the lower thrust to be used during departures from runways longer than 2,000m (6,560ft).

Sukhoi has been extending the capabilities of the type since its initial certification by the Interstate Aviation Committee in January 2011.

It performed 22 flights at Moscow's Zhukovsky centre with one of the flight-test aircraft, number 95003, to explore various thrust settings for its PowerJet SaM146 engines.

Using the reduced thrust setting will lower engine load and turbine temperatures, says Sukhoi's civil aircraft division, adding: "This, in turn, minimises aircraft maintenance cost."

Sukhoi has also obtained certification for Category IIIa automatic landings and precision area navigation during the continuing development process for the twin-engined type.

Source: Cirium Dashboard