Irkut MC-21-310 gets paint and arrives at Zhukovsky to continue flight tests
Russian jetliner is the variant equipped with PD-14 engines, which replaces Pratt & Whitney’s PW 1400G turbofans.
The MC-21-310 test aircraft arrived at the Gromov Flight Research Institute in Zhukosvky this week, UAC announced. The prototype 005 of the Russian single-aisle jetliner differs from the other four aircraft by using the PD-14 indigenous turbofan, developed by Aviadgatel.
The MC-21-310 flew for the first time in December and is part of Irkut’s actions to reduce dependence on Western suppliers in the commercial jet program for up to 211 passengers.
Originally, the MC-21 was equipped with Pratt & Whitney’s PW 1400G engine, but the US government ordered an embargo on the supply of critical components to Russia.
Until recently, the aircraft was still unpainted, which was made in recent days in “Spektr-Avia”, a UAC unit in Ulyanovsk, where the aircraft took off towards Zhukovsky, about 700 km away.
UAC confirmed that the MC-21 will enter service in 2022 and that the first four production aircraft will be destined for the Rossiya airline.
This article has been published on airway1.com, with editorial changes made by JEC Group.
