MC-21

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PICTURES: Third test MC-21 lifts off on maiden flight

• 16 March, 2019
• SOURCE: Flight Dashboard
• BY: David Kaminski-Morrow
• London

Russian airframer Irkut has commenced flight-testing with a third MC-21-300, which lifted off from its Irkutsk assembly centre on 16 March.

Aircraft MC0004, bearing the number 73054, conducted a 1h 30min maiden flight, says the manufacturer, reaching an altitude of 3,500m and speeds of around 240kt.

Two crew members were on board the aircraft which has been fitted with a passenger cabin as well as on-board test equipment. Irkut says the crew performed flight-test tasks “completely” with the aircraft functioning normally.

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The cabin-fitted MC-21 will be shown off during the upcoming Moscow air show MAKS-2019, due to take place in late August.

“This will allow us to visually demonstrate to potential customers and future passengers one of the most important competitive advantages of the Russian airliner – an increased level of comfort,” says trade and industry minister Denis Manturov.

Irkut has been flight-testing two other MC-21-300s, fitted with Pratt & Whitney PW1400G engines, from a facility in Moscow.

It is assembling a fourth aircraft for the certification campaign which will join the fleet this year.

New Russian MC-21 Aircraft Can Compete With Boeing And Airbus Models, Analysts Say

 

A new report says the Russian narrow body Irkut MC-21 “appears to be an excellent aircraft” that can compete with similar models from Airbus and Boeing, but sales outside Russia will be hampered by concerns over maintenance and geopolitics.

 

The report by the consulting firm Air Insight said the two MC-21 models, which seat between 132 and 175 passengers in two classes, can be competitive with the Boeing 737MAX 8 and the Airbus A320neo.

 

The MC-21 is slated to enter service in 2020. It is produced by Irkut, a branch of United Aircraft Corporation, a Russian aerospace and defense corporation that is owned primarily by the Russian government. Flight tests are underway.

 

The MC-21-200 is slated to have about 150 seats, comparable to the Boeing MAX 7 and the Airbus A220-300, while the MC-21-300 is slated to have about 175 seats, comparable to the Boeing MAX 8.

 

“The Pratt & Whitney GTF engines, combined with new materials, advanced aerodynamics, and major systems supplied by western vendors make the MC-21-300 a strong potential competitor to Airbus and Boeing,”

 

 

 

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