RuAviation

Within the framework of co-operation for the production of the MS-21, Sokol Aircraft Plant in Nizhny Novgorod is preparing to master the full cycle of assembly of the underwing compartment and manufacture of door parts for the MS-21 aircraft. This was reported in the press service of the United Aircraft Corporation.

Sokol Aircraft Plant is one of the oldest enterprises of the city and the pride of Nizhny Novgorod. From 1979 to 1994 more than 500 MiG-31 and MiG-31B interceptors were built at the plant. Currently, the main workload of Sokol is as follows – modernisation and extension of the service life of MiG-31 aircraft. Diversification of production and increase in the volume of civilian products provides the aircraft plant with orders and Nizhny Novgorod residents with stable employment. The company has prepared production sites where the plant plans to manufacture new products. By the beginning of 2026, 12 production sites are to be repaired, equipped and put into operation.

As of the beginning of 2023, the Sokol assembly shop has completed the preparation of the subkeel assembly area. The plant’s technologists are currently manufacturing tooling for this area. In addition, two other locations are undergoing construction and finishing works, as well as repair of engineering communications. The heating system, gates have been replaced, and the foundations for new process equipment will be installed. To ensure comfortable working conditions, it is planned to repair the roof, windows and sanitary and utility rooms, as well as to replace the lighting system.

As part of production diversification, the plant also plans to repair and equip the areas involved in the production of door parts for the MS-21 aircraft. In addition, the areas will be expanded to increase the range of manufactured parts for the IL-114-300 turboprop.

A large number of enterprises and plants are involved in the co-operation for the production of MS-21 aircraft, one of them is Aviastar in Ulyanovsk. Here they produce sets of fuselage panels, horizontal and vertical plumage, earlier also all the doors, airframe compartment and underwing compartment. Now, the AFU compartment is assembled at the Irkutsk Aircraft Plant, while the production of door parts and the underwing compartment has been transferred to Nizhny Novgorod.