Irkut Corporation of the United Aircraft Corporation received approval from the Federal Air Transport Agency of the main changes to the standard design of the MS-21 aircraft related to the installation of the Russian PD-14 engine and a wing made of composite materials of domestic production. The documents confirming the amendments to the liner certificate were handed over on December 29 at the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation − Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov.In 2022, over 160 successful test flights were carried out on the MS-21 aircraft with the PD-14 powerplant.
Test pilots of the Yakovlev Design Bureau tested the airliner in various operating modes. During the tests, the PD-14 engine showed characteristics that are not inferior to foreign analogues. In addition, the wing made of domestic composites passed a test cycle at TsAGI, which confirmed the declared strength parameters. Then the prototype aircraft with the Russian wing successfully completed a number of test flights, during which the operational characteristics of the airliner were checked.
"We are concentrating considerable forces and resources on the MS-21 program, because the new airliner will become the flagship of the Russian fleet for decades to come. The delivery plan until 2030 includes more than 270 aircraft of this type. The tests have confirmed the reliability and high quality of both the PD-14 engine and the composite wing made of domestic materials. This is another confirmation that even in difficult sanctions conditions, our aviation industry is capable of solving the most important tasks," said Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov.
The head of the Federal Air Transport Agency, Alexander Neradko, congratulated his colleagues on the completion of the most important stage related to import substitution in the Russian aviation industry: "The approval of the main changes to the standard design of the MC-21 aircraft received today is another achievement of the domestic aircraft industry, including a victory over sanctions. All test checks of the aircraft were carried out in accordance with Russian and international standards. The new aircraft showed excellent technical characteristics. The developer has the opportunity to move on and take all necessary measures for the speedy introduction of this air type into the series. Russian airlines are interested in starting its operation in the near future."
"The approval of changes to the domestic engine and wing is an important milestone of the MS−21 project and the basis for the subsequent import substitution of all aircraft units. Some of them are already undergoing bench tests at the moment, and next year we will be ready to start testing these systems as part of the aircraft in order to certify a fully Russian board by the end of 2024 and start mass production," said Yuri Slyusar, General Director of the UAC.
The MS-21 is a medium−haul passenger aircraft of a new generation with a capacity from 163 to 211 passengers. The liner is focused on the most popular segment of the passenger transportation market. The machine is created on the basis of the latest developments in the field of aircraft construction. Advanced aerodynamics, engines and systems of the latest generation provide high flight performance and reduced operating costs compared to competitors.
The aerodynamic perfection of the aircraft was achieved thanks to a large elongation wing made of domestic composite materials, which were developed with the participation of scientists from Moscow State University, Rosatom, and aviation industry specialists. The largest in its class fuselage width of the MS-21 allows you to increase personal space for passengers and make the flight as comfortable as possible.
