The second flight test prototype of the Irkut MC-21-300 single aisle passenger jet has been rolled out from the Irkutsk plant in Siberi...
The second flight test prototype of the Irkut MC-21-300 single aisle passenger jet has been rolled out from the Irkutsk plant in Siberia, Russia.
The prototype incorporates improvements based on feedback from the first prototype flight testing.
The aircraft has been transfered to the flight testing team, and is expected complete maiden flight shortly.
The flight test program will clock more than 1100 flight hours involving four MS-21-300 test aircraft before achieving Russian type certification expected in mid 2019.
The MC-21 is designed to break the duopoly of Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320 family in the single aisle market.
Being a new design, the MC-21 sports many features that are beyond reach of its rivals, like a 6000 ft cabin pressurization and a composite wing. The wider cabin cross section also allow a comfortable aisle and passenger seating.
The standard MC-21-300 version has a maximum takeoff weight of 79,250 kg with a seating for 211 passengers and 3,200 nm range.
MC-21-300 is scheduled to enter service in 2019, powered by the Pratt & Whitney PW1400G-JM engines, while the alternative Russian PD-14 engine being developed by Perm-based Aviadvigatel, is expected to power commercial flights from 2021.
The first prototype completed maiden flight in May 2017. Since then flight envelope has expanded progressively to non stop 4500 km flight and 12,000 m altitude.
