The MS-21 prototype intended for static and flight testing will be manufactured in 2015; the aircraft will perform its maiden flight in the first half of 2016; mass production of the new Russian liner will be started in 2017. It was stated by the Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov on November 14th 2014 during his visit to Irkutsk Aviation Plant.
«The MS-21 program is right on schedule. The installation of assembly line will be completed in late May. It gives us confidence that the first flying prototype of MS-21 will be ready next year, - Manturov noted. – We are doing our best to replace imported components with Russian-produced analogues. The development of PD-14 engine, advanced aircraft systems and avionics is in progress as well as certification of new composites. As for current configuration of MS-21-300 aircraft, the share of Russian-produced components will exceed 50% (taking into account PD-14 engine developed in Russia). By the start of the jet’s mass production this indicator will reach 60%».
The Minister also noted that the market outlook for MS-21 looks promising. «The aircraft is in demand. The price advantage is increasing (due to ruble’s depreciation and other factors). We have already signed contracts for 175 aircraft. In late 2017 – early 2018 we will receive the type certificate issued by the Interstate Aviation Committee. The first four liners will be delivered to a customer in 2018,» he said.
MS-21 is the ambitious project, which is being implemented by Irkut Corporation; it outmatches foreign analogues in terms of technologies used. It is one of the top-priority projects of the national aircraft industry. Government and our ministry support the project in the network of the state program “Development of aircraft industry for 2013-2025”. MS-21 offers higher level of comfort thanks to wider fuselage and cabin configuration compared to analogues. The configuration helps speed up loading and unloading of passengers. The aircraft also offers improved microclimate thanks to cutting-edge air humidifying system. Moreover, MS-21 features improved aerodynamics and lower weight compared to analogues thanks to implementation of latest technologies and innovative materials, the ministry noted.
Today around 40% of avionics and 90% of software for MS-21 are developed and manufactured by Radioelectronic Technologies Concern (KRET, part of Rostec State Corporation). Aviation Equipment Holding Company (also part of Rostec) will supply the latest aircraft systems and landing gear for MS-21. Rostec State Corporation will supply a total of 80% of equipment for MS-21 aircraft.
MS-21 has more composite components than any other aircraft in its class. These state-of-the-art materials will help decrease the jet’s weight and extend the wing in order to improve its aerodynamic performance. In general, the share of composites will reach 30% or even 40%. Developers specified very strict requirements in terms of safety margin for components made of these materials, the ministry noted.
The baseline engine for MS-21 is PD-14 designed for short- and medium-haul aircraft seating 130-180 passengers. This product outmatches the existing Russian-produced analogues and may compete with foreign analogues in this segment. High-level requirements have been specified for PD-14 in terms of competitive ability, because, in accordance with an Irkut Corporation’s decision, one of the versions of MS-21-300 aircraft will be powered by a foreign-produced engine.