Russian MC-21 Airliner Testing Ramped up With Two Aircraft Flying

Russian UAC has ramped up flight test program of the MC-21 jetliner often deploying two prototype aircraft simultaneously to make up for lost time caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program involves four experimental aircraft. Two of them are equipped with passenger cabins. In the case, modifications are being checked with a two-class layout for 163 seats and an ultra-dense layout for 211 seats.

Flights are performed by crews of the Irkut Corporation, as well as joint crews: pilots of the corporation and representatives of certification centers. The pace of flight tests is increasing. Often, two aircraft are simultaneously in flight, MC-21 manufacturers' lead company, Rostec said today.

During flights, the latest generation of testing equipment allows you to record about 40 thousand parameters. Already the MS-21-300 has been tested for resistance to flutter and at extreme angles of attack.

The main engines and auxiliary power unit were tested, including during take-off and landing with a failed engine. The minimum separation speed of the aircraft is determined. The operability of the instrumental landing system and equipment for flying in the dark was confirmed.

The MS-21-300 airliner is being created in a wide cooperation of Rostec enterprises. More than half of avionics was developed by the holdings of the State Corporation, and titanium and composite parts are supplied.

The first MS-21-300 aircraft is under construction at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, which will undergo flight tests with PD-14 engines developed by the United Engine Corporation.

The production of MS-21-300 aircraft for delivery to customers has begun; the fuselage of the first machine is being assembled. The start of serial production was allowed by the positive results of flight and ground tests, which proved the correctness of the basic design and technological solutions.

The first MS-21-300 aircraft is under construction at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, which will undergo flight tests with PD-14 engines developed by the United Engine Corporation.

The production of MS-21-300 aircraft for delivery to customers has begun; the fuselage of the first machine is being assembled. The start of serial production was allowed by the positive results of flight and ground tests, which proved the correctness of the basic design and technological solutions.