RuAviation

As part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) press service’s “Yakovlev Dictionary” series, test pilot Andrei Voropaev, a Merited Test Pilot of the Russian Federation from the Yakovlev Design Bureau (OKB named after A.S. Yakovlev), discussed the design and features of the MC-21 airliner’s cockpit. He addressed questions regarding the cockpit layout, equipment, ergonomics, and the implementation of advanced life support and safety systems.

The MC-21 features a two-crew member cockpit configuration, now standard for modern airliners. The captain occupies the left-hand seat, while the first officer sits on the right. An optional third seat can accommodate a flight engineer or observer, providing flexibility for specific aircraft missions or configurations. However, advances in avionics and automation enable the operation of modern aircraft like the MC-21 without a flight engineer, contributing to reduced airline operating costs.

The MC-21 incorporates a “glass cockpit” design, which utilizes electronic displays extensively. “The pilot workstations feature large, high-resolution displays that replace traditional instruments,” stated Andrei Voropaev. “This reduces the number of mechanical switches and simplifies aircraft operation. The flight controls – control sticks, rudder pedals, and thrust levers – are ergonomically positioned to provide maximum comfort, even on long flights.”

The multi-functional liquid crystal displays (LCDs) integrate information from the aircraft’s various systems, providing the flight crew with comprehensive data on system status, navigation, and weather conditions. Electronic indicators present information on the flight plan, engine parameters, system health, navigation data, and alerts, effectively reducing pilot workload.

A key feature of the MC-21’s avionics is its fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system with active side-stick controllers (ASCs). The active ASCs offer more intuitive and ergonomic control compared to traditional control columns. The pilot’s inputs are converted into electrical signals, which are then processed by the flight control computer. The computer interprets the pilot’s commands and deflects the appropriate control surfaces accordingly.

The flight control system provides force feedback to the side-sticks, simulating natural forces and resistance to enhance the pilot’s feel for the aircraft and the effort required for maneuvering. This feedback varies with flight regime and airspeed. A distinguishing characteristic of the MC-21’s ASCs is the mechanical linkage between the pilot and co-pilot controls. If one pilot moves their side-stick, the other side-stick moves in unison. This enhances situational awareness and coordination within the flight crew, as each pilot directly senses the other’s control inputs.

The design of the pilot workstations aligns with current knowledge of human factors engineering. Andrei Voropaev emphasized that, “the cockpit has been carefully designed for crew convenience and flight safety.” This is achieved through optimal placement of controls, their intuitive design, and adjustable elements to accommodate individual pilot preferences. The cockpit incorporates controls with ergonomic shapes and sizes, along with lighting designed to ensure comfortable operation under varying ambient lighting conditions.

The MC-21’s cockpit life support system encompasses a suite of subsystems that provide optimal working conditions for the crew throughout the flight. “Air conditioning, lighting, emergency equipment, and communication systems – all these contribute to making the cockpit not only comfortable but also safe for the crew,” stated the Yakovlev Design Bureau test pilot.

The air conditioning system maintains optimal temperature and humidity within the cockpit. The placement of lighting fixtures is designed to provide good visibility of instruments and controls, even in bright sunlight. Particular attention is given to emergency equipment, which must enable rapid and effective evacuation in an emergency. Emergency equipment includes oxygen masks, life vests, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits.

As part of a large-scale import substitution program, the MC-21’s avionics are being developed and manufactured within Russia. The Ulyanovsk Instrument Manufacturing Design Bureau (UKBP), part of KRET (Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies), plays a key role in this effort. UKBP produces the aircraft-wide equipment management system (SUOSO-MC-21), multi-function displays, and control panels. The Moscow Institute of Electromechanics and Automation (MIEA) developed the information and computing complex for the flight control system (IVK-KSU-MC-21), which enables manual and automatic flight control. These developments not only ensure independence from foreign suppliers but also contribute to the growth of the domestic aviation industry, creating new jobs and promoting innovative technologies.

The SUOSO-MC-21 is a comprehensive system designed for centralized management and monitoring of all aircraft-wide equipment. The architecture of the system was determined by analyzing the information and control environment of the MC-21 cockpit. The SUOSO includes the BVK-12 computing and concentration unit, the BPS-14 signal conversion unit, the BZK-1 protection and switching unit, and the BUOS-1 windshield heating control unit. This enhances the reliability and safety of aircraft systems, reduces maintenance and pre-flight preparation time, and alleviates crew workload.

The integration of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) systems is a key element of the modern cockpit. The domestically developed EFB software aims to improve flight management processes and enhance flight safety. One of the software’s primary functions is to optimize flight mode selection by analyzing factors such as the aircraft’s actual weight, weather conditions, runway characteristics, and pilot actions.

The MC-21’s modern cockpit represents the application of advanced technologies and engineering solutions focused on improving flight safety, efficiency, and comfort. The import substitution program has enabled the creation of cutting-edge avionics for the MC-21 that are aligned with contemporary trends and global standards in passenger aircraft manufacturing, further ensuring the progressive development of Russia’s aviation sector.