RuAviation

The import-substituted MC-21-310 has demonstrated flight characteristics broadly comparable with the earlier MC-21-300, according to Nikolai Fonurin, a lead flight-test engineer at Russian aircraft manufacturer «Yakovlev». The two aircraft differ primarily in their equipment suites and propulsion systems, rather than in overall handling or aerodynamic performance.

Fonurin said flight-test data collected on the import-substituted aircraft showed that its aerodynamic and flight-performance characteristics were “practically identical” to those of the MC-21-300. The aircraft has replaced imported systems and components with Russian equivalents, including flight-control actuators and wing composites.

The MC-21-300, represented by aircraft 73054, uses an imported equipment suite and Pratt & Whitney PW1400G-series engines. The earlier MC-21-310 configuration combined Russian and foreign equipment, while the current import-substituted MC-21-310 uses a substantially Russian-origin system architecture.

The propulsion change has not resulted in a significant difference in handling, according to Fonurin. He described the PW1400G and Aviadvigatel PD-14 as engines in the same thrust class, with broadly comparable performance. The PW1400G remains somewhat more fuel efficient, but the difference should not be apparent to passengers and is limited from a pilot-handling perspective.

The import-substituted aircraft also uses Russian composite material for its wing in place of the imported material used on the MC-21-300. Fonurin said flight testing had already established the relevant aerodynamic and performance characteristics, with the results showing a high degree of convergence between the configurations.

The main difference for flight-test engineers is therefore the integration and maturity of the domestic systems rather than the aircraft’s basic flight behaviour. Fonurin said much of the Russian equipment had to be developed or revived before being integrated into the aircraft, requiring additional work to ensure that the systems operate together as a complete aircraft.

The flight-test engineer said the remaining priority is to complete certification and bring the import-substituted MC-21-310 into commercial service. «Yakovlev» is developing the aircraft as the Russian-content version of the MC-21 programme, following the loss of access to a number of foreign suppliers.

The MC-21-300 aircraft 73054 flew from Zhukovsky to Irkutsk on 23 September as part of a media visit to the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. During the flight, Fonurin demonstrated the flight-test engineer’s workstation, which provides real-time access to cockpit video and aircraft parameter data. The underlying onboard measurement system records the data used for subsequent ground analysis and certification documentation.