The new Irkut MC-21 made its International debut at the Dubai Airshow 2021. It participated in the flying display on most days and was also available for tours on the ground.
The Irkut MC-21 (Russian: Иркут МС-21) is a single-aisle airliner, developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau and produced by its parent Irkut which is a branch of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) in Russia.
I visited the MC-21 cabin. Check out the airframe, cabin, cockpit and testing station.
Video
Cockpit and Interiors
The cockpit of MC-21 looks similar to those of its western counterparts, with four large display screens. It has a side stick which is controlled by fly by wire.
It is a green airplane in the front cabin, with two testing stations.
I interviewed an engineer onboard the MC-21. She said that the edge the MC-21 has is the aspect ratio of the wing, which reduces drag.
The MC-21 on display has the Russian engine Aviadvigatel PD-14. Russia decided to have both an internal and external supplier for the engine and nacelle, for greater flexibility in controlling rate and price. The other option is with the Pratt and Whitney PW1400G.
In the rear, it has some seats in both Business and Economy configuration. The engineer told me that the MC-21 has the widest cabin width when compared with Airbus and Boeing. The MC-21 is expected to enter service in 2022 with Rossiya Airlines.
In a two class configuration, it sits 163 passengers (16J +147Y) and in single class configuration it sits 211 passengers.
The modern MC-21 cabin resembles that of an Airbus 320 or a Boeing 737. Can the new MC-21 be a serious challenge to the Airbus/Boeing dominated narrow-body market? It has a long way to go to prove itself. Obviously, the key is to obtain FAA and EASA certification.
The manufacturer did not comment on the pricing of MC-21 during the tour.
The list of sanctioned countries by the West becomes longer and longer (Kuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Iran, Belarus, North-Korea) and for sure the amount of bad boys will increase. So now they all will have the opportunity for a real choice.
One little mistake: MC 21 in Russian language sounds like MS-21
The Russian Irkut MC-21 is stuck in a rock and a hard place by using western components and avionics. Putin has struggled his entire reign to get Russian airlines to buy Russian made commercial jets of all sizes even with strong arming them, and they still would order more from Boeing and/or Airbus in the end. The most loyal customers of Russian commercial jets are the flag carriers of Cuba and North Korea in Cubana and Air Koryo respectively due to western sanctions, and therefore are unable to buy this jet. That being said, Boeing’s 737MAX woes gives the Russian Irkut MC-21 a clean opening to break the Airbus/Boeing duopoly.
The biggest problem with Russian aircraft is with parts and servicing which, in the past, has been very spotty. With the P and W engine option and with Western avionics, there may be sales outside of Russia.
Thx for sharing on MC-21-310 .Wats the price tag like ?
They didn’t mention but believe much lower than Airbus/Boeing.
Even if it’s ‘great’ – who would buy it? Sure, RAS-Putin could force domestic carriers to buy (same as the CCP, which has the advantage of forcing BRI slaves to buy) – but who else would take a chance unless there was cut rate pricing/zillion year financing?
sure there would be discounts for those who order hundreds…. the question is who will？