New entirely Russian-made airliner makes successful test flight (VIDEO)
The latest prototype of Russia's domestically built MC-21 aircraft, assembled using entirely Russian-made components, took to the skies for the first time, state-run defense and technology giant Rostec announced on Tuesday. The flight marked the beginning of factory fine-tuning tests for the single-aisle jet.
The program to replace all Western-made parts in domestic passenger aircraft was launched in response to sweeping sanctions imposed on Russia's aviation industry by the US and EU following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
The jet took off from the Irkutsk Aviation Plant airfield and spent an hour and 15 minutes in the air, attaining a speed of 580 kilometers per hour and an altitude of 3,000 meters before landing successfully, the company said. It said all systems operated flawlessly.
Rostec stated that the aircraft is equipped with the PD-14 – the first next-generation turbofan aircraft engine developed in modern Russia. The company noted that its United Engine Corporation implemented sixteen critical technologies in its development, including the creation of new materials, coatings, and design solutions aimed at replacing foreign-made engines.
The MC-21 is the first narrow-body, medium-haul passenger jet designed and built in Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. With a seating capacity ranging from 163 to 211 passengers, the plane is expected to fill the niche once occupied by the iconic Tu-154, and currently dominated by foreign models.
'Our aircraft manufacturers have done tremendous work, replacing around 80 foreign systems and components to eliminate dependence on sanctions and foreign suppliers,' said Oleg Evtushenko, Executive Director and member of Rostec's Management Board.
Evtushenko added that the MC-21 is expected to replace Airbus and Boeing airliners in Russian skies, and that combined with the PD-14 engines, the aircraft is meant to deliver low operating costs and strong economic performance for airlines.
Among other domestically developed aircraft are the Sukhoi Superjet New – an all-Russian-component version of the SSJ 100 regional jet, which made its first test flight earlier this month – and the Tu-214, a narrow-body, twin-engine, medium-haul airliner.
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