As reported on April 29, 2025, PJSC United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a prototype of the MC-21 medium-range aircraft, equipped with new Russian systems and assemblies, took to the skies for the first time from the airfield of the Yakovlev Irkutsk Aviation Plant (part of the Rostec State Corporation UAC). Domestic avionics, power supply systems, air conditioning and others were tested on board. The flight marked the beginning of factory finishing tests.
On the part of bmpd, we would like to point out that, thus, the first flight prototype of the MC-21-310 passenger aircraft (serial number 21012/MC.0012, registration number 73055) with Russian PD-14 engines, previously built at Irkutsk Aviation Plant, made its first flight in the new "import-substituted" appearance. The plant (IAZ) and made its first flight there in its original configuration on December 15, 2020 (and was generally the fifth MC-21 built). Since 2023, the aircraft has been undergoing conversion at IAZ under the MC-21-310RUS program, with the replacement of some imported systems with Russian-made systems.
The first flight in the new "import-substituted" appearance of the MC-21-310 took place after the modernization of the first flight prototype of the MC-21-310 passenger aircraft (serial number 21012/MC.0012, registration number 73055). Irkutsk, 04/29/2025 (c) PJSC United Aircraft Corporation
The UAC press release says:
The flight was performed by a crew consisting of test pilots Alexander Guskov, Hero of Russia Roman Taskaev and leading flight test engineers Alexander Popov and Alexander Solovyov. The aircraft was in the air for 1 hour and 15 minutes, reaching a speed of 580 km/ h and an altitude of 3,000 m.
Alexander Guskov stated that the flight mission has been completed completely. Roman Taskaev added that all aircraft systems, including new domestic ones, worked without any comments.
"The MC-21 is designed to replace Boeing and Airbus aircraft in the skies of Russia. It is an advanced aircraft in its characteristics, very modern and comfortable, with outstanding aerodynamics and new generation systems on board. Combined with PD-14 engines, this ensures low operating costs and good economics for airlines. Our aircraft manufacturers have done a lot of work, replacing about 80 foreign systems and assemblies in order not to depend on sanctions and suppliers from other countries. Today's flight brings us one step closer to certification and the start of deliveries of the import-substituted MC-21 to the market," said Oleg Yevtushenko, Executive Director of Rostec State Corporation.
Two modified MC-21 prototype aircraft, which were previously involved in certification tests with foreign systems, will take part in flight tests under the import substitution program.
On the first of them, which flew on April 29, 2025, some of the foreign systems were replaced. The aircraft received a Russian complex of avionics equipment, including computers, switches, navigation systems and radio communication equipment, a domestic auxiliary power plant, air conditioning and pressure control systems, lighting equipment, aircraft control panels. Domestic components are included in the power supply system, hydraulic system, chassis.
"This flight opens the factory finishing tests of the MS-21 in a new, Russian look. Our plans include a flight to Zhukovsky to perform flights under the certification testing program. At the same time, we continue to work on the fully Russian MC-21, which is currently in the final assembly workshop and will join flights later," said Vadim Badekha, General Director of the UAC.
The MC-21 is a new generation medium-haul passenger aircraft. The liner, created on the basis of the latest developments, is focused on the most demanded segment of the passenger transportation market. Advanced aerodynamics, PD-14 engines and latest generation systems ensure high flight performance and reduced operating costs compared to their counterparts.
PD-14 is the first new generation aviation turbofan engine created in modern Russia. While working on the PD-14, the designers of the Rostec United Engine Corporation implemented 16 critical technologies: new materials, coatings, and design solutions were created. The engine was certified in 2018.
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The first flight in the new "import-substituted" appearance of the MC-21-310 took place after the modernization of the first flight prototype of the MC-21-310 passenger aircraft (serial number 21012/MC.0012, registration number 73055). Irkutsk, 04/29/2025 (c) United Aircraft Corporation PJSC
