The MC-21-310 prototype aircraft (tail number 73055), equipped with Russian-manufactured systems and equipment, has completed 19 flights under the certification testing program, accumulating 74 flight hours. Rostec State Corporation announced this development in a press release.
The certification program for the import-substituted version is being conducted at Zhukovsky Airfield in the Moscow region. Aircraft 73055, which underwent modification to the -310 configuration at Irkutsk Aviation Plant during 2023-2024, performed its first post-modification flight on April 29, 2025. On May 7, the aircraft completed a non-stop ferry flight from Irkutsk to Yakovlev PJSC’s Flight Test and Development Complex at Ramenskoye Airfield. After completing factory acceptance testing, the aircraft began certification flights for import-substituted systems on June 27.
“Certification will accelerate once a second MC-21 joins the testing program. The required flight hours and test points will be distributed between two aircraft. This comprehensive testing process is essential to ensure aircraft safety and reliability,” Rostec representatives stated.
Aircraft 73055 operates with PD-14 engines and features Russian-manufactured avionics systems, including flight computers, data concentrators, navigation systems, and radio equipment. The aircraft also incorporates domestic auxiliary power unit (APU), air conditioning systems, cabin pressurization systems, lighting systems, aircraft system control panels, and other components. In total, more than 70 foreign-made components have been replaced with Russian alternatives. Foreign equipment remains only in flight control actuators, brakes, and generators.
In July 2025, prototype aircraft 73055 and 73054 conducted formation flights to evaluate the Russian-manufactured Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). The flight objective was to compare the performance of Russian systems installed on 73055 against aircraft 73054, which carries similar but foreign-manufactured equipment.
Aircraft 73055 is currently undergoing evaluation of its electrical power system, inertial navigation systems (INS), air traffic control (ATC) transponders, radio communication range, and antenna feed systems. Additionally, the aircraft performs flights along established airways to verify navigation system functionality, transponder integration with ATC infrastructure, and to assess weather radar and communication system performance.
Flight testing of another MC-21-310 prototype, aircraft 73057, is expected to begin shortly. This aircraft features exclusively Russian-manufactured systems, including those foreign components that remain on aircraft 73055. Certification completion is anticipated in the final third of 2026, after which the MC-21 will enter commercial service.
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