Sukhoi Superjet 100 moved closer to its first flight, scheduled for later this month, with the successful completion of the first taxi and run tests of the new regional aircraft, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Co. announced on May 13.

The run tests featured a gradual speed increase up to 162 kph, which is close the actual speed required for take-off.

Chief Test Pilot Alexander Yablontsev said the aircraft "is easy to control and very good in ergonomics."

The testing was performed at the Flight Test Center in Komsomolsk, where a series of ground tests of the main systems with running engines have been conducted.

Prior to the first flight, the aircraft will undergo shimmy tests and high-speed runs with lift-off of the nose gear.

There are 73 firm orders for the Superjet. It is powered by the newly developed SaM 146 of 13,000-17,500 lb. thrust. First delivery to launch customer Aeroflot is expected in the first quarter of 2009.