Russian state-owned manufacturer Rostec announced last Tuesday that the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) issued an initial type certificate for the Irkut MC-21-300 passenger aircraft, four-and-half-years after is maiden flight.
The MC-21 is the world’s first medium-range aircraft to be fitted with a composite wing – whose structure is about 40% composite – since 2021, only domestic materials have been used in the production of the wing of the MC-21-300 aircraft.
The first Russian composite wing was installed on the MC-21-300 aircraft in July 2021 and in December, the first MC-21-300 aircraft with such a wing took to the skies for the first time.
“Obtaining a type certificate from the Federal Air Transport Agency is the most important event for the MC-21 program and the aviation industry.
Head of Rostec Sergey Chemezov
“The document confirms the readiness of the MC-21-310 aircraft for full-scale serial production. The liner turned out to be modern, beautiful, without exaggeration, world-class. It has a number of design innovations and the widest salon among classmates. I am sure both airlines and passengers will appreciate this.” the head of Rostec Sergey Chemezov said.
This Russian aircraft has capacity for 163-211 passengers, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1400G engines and this certification marks the entry of a competitor in the single-aisle dominated by the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.
“In 2022, we will focus our efforts on expanding the type certificate for the MC-21-300 aircraft. First of all, we will complete the certification of an aircraft with a wing made of Russian composite materials. We will also test the liner in high altitude conditions, strong crosswinds, low and high temperatures. This will allow Rossiya Airlines to operate the MC-21-300 in any geographic area, ”
Andrei Boginsky, Irkut Corporation General Director
Irkut is planning the first delivery to Rossiya Airlines in 2022. In total, the Aeroflot Group will take six MC-21s next year.
Rosaviatsia says it will continue to work on expanding the operating conditions of the aircraft, optimizing the structures which include remotorization to the domestic PD-14 engine.