RuAviation

Government Funding Reallocation and Program Priorities

The Russian government has formally suspended work on the long-range widebody aircraft program. Under Resolution No. 4093-r dated December 26, 2025, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) was authorized to redirect unused federal budget allocations toward modernization efforts for the Tupolev Tu-214 and the MC-21-310 narrowbody aircraft.

The total amount of reallocated funding may reach RUB 2.6 billion (approximately USD 28 million), originally earmarked for the widebody program.

Up to RUB 2.2 billion will be allocated to further development of the import-substituted MC-21 variant. Planned activities include airframe weight reduction, refinement of aerodynamic and flight performance characteristics, and preparation of a detailed technical report covering structural solutions for the wing box, center wing section, landing gear bay, wing high-lift devices, wing-to-body fairing, engine pylon, selected fuselage sections, and aircraft systems. Completion of this phase is scheduled for December 31, 2026.

In parallel, design documentation for selected weight-reduction solutions will be finalized by December 31, 2027. The program also includes R&D activities related to tooling, prototype cabin interiors, and cockpit equipment required for qualification and certification testing. By September 30, 2026, the program targets the manufacture and preliminary testing of at least 569 interior components and the production of no fewer than 517 tooling units.

Electrical Wiring System Testing at Final Assembly

An automated test system for measuring parameters of the MC-21 electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) enables comprehensive checks of all aircraft electrical circuits for insulation breakdown, open circuits, and short circuits. Testing is conducted prior to connecting electrical loads, including avionics units, systems, and engines. The process provides verified data on wiring integrity for subsequent assembly and certification stages.

Specialists at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant’s final assembly line now independently perform testing and analyze results. Previously, these procedures were conducted under the supervision of the equipment developer. Preparation requires installation of more than 200 adapter harnesses. Depending on system complexity, test duration ranges from 20 minutes to 15 hours. The final report documents all deviations from established specifications.

EWIS requirements mandate zero discrepancies during initial testing, ensuring electrical reliability and stable operation of all aircraft systems. Updates to design documentation and component refinements based on test results are planned as part of serial aircraft production through the end of 2026.

PD-14 Composite Engine Inlet Development

An experimental, fully composite engine inlet for the PD-14 turbofan has been manufactured at the Voronezh Aircraft Plant (VASO, a branch of Ilyushin PJSC) under contract with UEC-Aviadvigatel (Perm). The inlet is produced as a single-piece composite structure without a joint between the aluminum leading edge and the inlet duct fairing.

This design reduces aerodynamic drag associated with traditional interface joints and contributes to lower fuel consumption. According to preliminary assessments, the new inlet provides a fuel burn reduction of approximately 1–2 percent, translating into savings of up to RUB 500,000 per flight under typical operating conditions. The improvement results from smoother airflow and reduced turbulence at the engine inlet.

The experimental inlet will be installed on a PD-14 engine mounted on an Il-76 flying testbed to validate aerodynamic and operational characteristics prior to serial production.

Certification Flight and Ground Testing

In January 2026, certification flight and ground tests were conducted to evaluate onboard systems and aircraft behavior in adverse weather conditions. Aircraft No. 73055 completed six flights totaling 17 hours and 40 minutes.

In-flight testing included evaluation of the fire suppression system of the domestically produced auxiliary power unit. The flight management system (FMS) and terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) were assessed for indication accuracy and timely crew alerts during simulated hazardous flight profiles. Automatic flight control system (AFCS) testing included automatic go-arounds and ICAO Category IIIa autoland operations.

On January 28, high-speed taxi tests were performed on a snow-covered runway. Engineers assessed engine control system stability during transitions to maximum takeoff thrust in heavy snowfall conditions.

Cabin Installation and Interior Localization

Aircraft No. 73057 remained grounded in January as installation of a domestically produced passenger cabin continued. Work includes full installation of cabin components and equipment. Aircraft No. 73054 and No. 73056 are fitted with cabins incorporating imported components.

UAC reported that Aviation Interiors LLC conducted weight-reduction studies during development of the Russian-made cabin, including overhead stowage bins. Chief Designer Vadim Shramov noted that structural optimization enables mass reduction without compromising strength.

Two overhead bin configurations have been developed: traditional pivot-type bins and so-called “bread-bin” (hinged) designs. At airline discretion, pivot bins may be replaced with hinged bins while maintaining identical storage capacity and achieving lower mass. Some localization challenges remain, particularly in decorative finish options, which are constrained by the availability of domestic surface-film suppliers. Functionally, however, the Russian-made bins fully meet the performance of imported counterparts.