RuAviation

In 2025, the MC-21 program focused on building the evidential base required for type certification of the import-substituted version of the aircraft. Full integration of all key Russian-made components into a unified configuration was completed on test aircraft 73057. The emphasis shifted from evaluating individual avionics units to verifying overall compliance of the aircraft’s design with regulatory requirements.

During the first quarter, the Ministry of Industry and Trade confirmed plans to begin serial deliveries in 2026 and established the financial and organizational framework for the certification phase. R&D contracts were signed to expand the MC-21-310 type certificate, structured in three stages through the end of 2027. These arrangements enabled the preparation of infrastructure and flight plans for the test aircraft. Throughout the year, certification flights involved aircraft 73055 (MC.0012) and 73057 (MC.0013).

Aircraft 73055 with partial import substitution. In 2025, aircraft 73055 served as the primary platform for integrating domestic systems. The work performed included:

• Electrical power supply – complete replacement of all power cables and distribution panels with Russian-made analogs; verification of compatibility with the onboard architecture and PD-14 engines.
• Inertial navigation systems (INS) – installation of domestic units; accuracy verified on routes up to 500 miles, integrated with the cockpit flight navigation system.
• Auxiliary power unit (APU) – the American Honeywell APU was replaced with the Russian TA-18-200MS, developed and serially produced by Stupino-based JSC NPP “Aerosila.”
• Air conditioning and automatic pressure control systems (AC/APS) – partial replacement of components with domestic alternatives.
• Hydraulic pump stations – installation of Russian pumps; operational testing during all landing gear and flight control modes.
• Cockpit flight-navigation elements – integration of domestic indicators, control panels, and interfaces with the flight control system.

During flights, crews evaluated the electrical power supply system (EPS) and its interaction with other onboard systems, assessed INS performance, and tested radio communication ranges using standard civil airways. These flights also included verification of navigation system integration with antenna-feeder units and Air Traffic Control transponders under various atmospheric conditions. In December, aircraft 73055 flew from Irkutsk to Zhukovsky and back, collecting INS and long-wave communication data for inclusion in the certification program.

Aircraft 73057 with full domestic systems. Aircraft 73057 was equipped with the most comprehensive set of Russian-made systems:

• Flight control system – Russian actuators; autopilot and manual control verified at low speeds and high angles of attack.
• Landing gear – Russian wheels and tires; tests included taxi runs and shimmy evaluations.
• Brakes and brake control system – components from the UK’s Parker Meggitt replaced with domestic units from JSC “Rubin” Aviation Corporation.
• Fuel and monitoring sensors – domestic equivalents integrated into the flight-navigation loop.
• Composite wing and airframe components – entirely Russian materials and forming/curing technologies; static and dynamic load tests completed.
• APU – same as on 73055; compatibility with onboard architecture confirmed; starting modes and cooling system operation tested.
• Hydraulic systems and pump stations – complete replacement with domestic units; tested within certification flight scenarios.
• Emergency turbopump unit (RAT) – replaced with a Russian analog.
• Galley and lavatory modules – domestic production; trial installation of baggage racks performed.

Following complex modification and several flights in Irkutsk, aircraft 73057 was flown to Zhukovsky for further certification flights. Tests recorded the response of flight control systems to pilot-navigation inputs and refined the assessment of stability and controllability in accordance with the certification program’s regulated exercises. All data were used to build the certification dossier and to confirm compliance with the type certification baseline.

In 2025, according to Aviation Russia, four test aircraft were involved in flight trials: 73051, 73054, 73055, and 73057. A total of 126 flights were conducted, accumulating 418 hours and 9 minutes of flight time. Only a portion of these flights counted toward the 220–230 flights required for certification. In 2026, it is projected that 90–110 flights will be needed by the test aircraft to obtain final approval of the MC-21 type design changes.