Irkutsk, Russia – The second MC‑21‑300 prototype, equipped entirely with Russian-made systems, successfully completed its maiden flight, marking a significant milestone in the country’s civil aviation program. Aircraft No. 73057 features PD‑14 turbofan engines, a wing built from domestic polymer composites, and fully Russian avionics, replacing previously used foreign components. The flight lasted approximately one hour, reaching 11,500 ft (3,500 m) and a maximum speed of 310 mph (500 km/h). The crew, led by Honored Test Pilot of Russia Andrey Voropaev, executed all planned flight regimes without incident.
The flight team included Hero of Russia and Yakolev JSC test pilot Oleg Mutovin, alongside lead engineers and onboard operators Anton Kuznetsov and Grigory Kudryashov. According to Voropaev, all aircraft systems performed normally, and handling remained stable across all phases of flight. The landing approach utilized the aircraft’s onboard radio-navigation equipment, demonstrating the reliability of the domestic avionics suite. Mutovin emphasized that this aircraft features the first fully Russian flight control system, including cockpit controls and wing mechanization actuators.
Aircraft No. 73057, with manufacturer serial number MC.0013, is the first serial MC‑21‑300 with a wing made entirely of Russian polymer composites. Originally registered as RA‑73361, it conducted its first flight in late December 2021 and was intended for Rossiya Airlines, with commercial service planned for fall 2022. Following the suspension of foreign component deliveries, the aircraft received a new registration and became part of Russia’s import substitution program, aimed at fully domestic aircraft production.
As part of comprehensive modernization, this prototype underwent replacement of cockpit panels and controls, flight control actuators, wing mechanization drives, engine pylons, stabilizer trim mechanisms, avionics suite, auxiliary power unit (APU), air conditioning system, integrated flight data acquisition and recording system (FDARS), wheel braking system, fuel system, wiring harness, wheels, and tires. All components are of Russian origin, reflecting the country’s push for technological self-reliance in aviation.
According to United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) CEO Vadim Badeha, the flight validated the domestic industry’s readiness for serial production of aircraft fully assembled from Russian components. The testing of the second aircraft is expected to accelerate certification processes, with the aircraft scheduled to move to Zhukovsky to continue the program.
Technical Note: The MC‑21 program represents Russia’s effort to replace aging narrow-body airliners and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, combining modern composites, the new PD‑14 engine family, and a fully domestic avionics suite.
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