The first mass-produced MC-21-310 aircraft, built entirely with domestic components, has successfully completed its maiden flight. This narrow-body airliner has been in development since 2017, with the original model relying on US-made engines. The project was jeopardized by Western sanctions imposed on Russia's aviation industry in 2022, prompting the development of a fully domestically built variant. The MC-21-310 is powered by the PD-14 engine, a next-generation turbofan aircraft engine developed in modern Russia.
The MC-21-310's maiden flight took place on Monday at the testing airfield of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. The passenger jet remained airborne for an hour and a half, reaching heights of up to 6,000 meters and speeds of up to 600 km/h. The flight was accompanied by a Yak-130 jet trainer, which filmed the airliner in flight. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the project, which has been hindered by external factors.
The successful flight of the MC-21-310 demonstrates the readiness of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant to manufacture the first batch of 18 aircraft. The plant's CEO has expressed plans to expand serial production capacities to produce at least 36 MC-21 airliners per year. The first batch of aircraft is expected to be delivered to Russia's flagship carrier. This development is a crucial step towards strengthening the country's aviation industry.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited the Irkutsk plant, inspecting the airliner and showcasing the country's commitment to the project. The successful development and production of the MC-21-310 will have significant implications for the country's aviation sector. With the ability to produce a fully domestically built aircraft, Russia is poised to reduce its reliance on foreign components and strengthen its position in the global aviation market.
