Specialists of Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) have started the detailed design of MS-21 medium-haul passenger jet, Lenta.ru reports. It has been declared by the Executive Director if TsAGI, Sergey Chernishev. According to him, the institute will “support the project until the aircraft’s certification”. It has been reported earlier that the maiden flight of MS-21 is scheduled on 2014.

According to Chernishev, MS-21’s aerodynamic characteristics will excel the characteristics of Airbus A320neo Family aircraft by 6-7%. "Our jet will be competitive enough to enter the Western market, but first of all, it a new “workhorse” that will replace Tu-154", - said the TsAGI’s Director, noting that the batch production of the aircraft will help meet the requirements for transportation inside Russia.

MS-21 ("Airliner of the 21st century") will replace ageing Tu-134s, Тu-154s and some Тu-204s. According to the active schedule, the certification of the jet in accordance with Russian codes, should be completed by 2015, the international certification should be completed in 2016. MS-21 will have three versions: - 200, 300 and 400. And it will be capable of carrying 150,181 and 212 passengers respectively. The program cost is assessed at 190 billion rubles.

At present United Aircraft Corporation has orders on 146 such liners. The first serial jet should be delivered to the launch customer - Crecom Burj Berhad (Malaysia) - in 2016.