Russian analysts have been conducting flutter tests on a scale model of the Irkut MC-21 twinjet, ahead of the type’s maiden flight.

These tests have been carried out at the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Moscow, using a subsonic windtunnel.

The institute says the model, weighing 300kg and with a wingspan of 5m, is one-seventh of the size of the MC-21.

It has been subjected to simulated speeds up to 590kt (1,100km/h) to test the response of the wing, control surfaces, and engine pylon.

The test results, says the institute, are “in line with estimates”, and the “dangerous phenomenon” of flutter does not occur over the typical operational range of speeds.

But the institute will produce a final conclusion on the aircraft’s resistance to flutter once ground checks are performed at the end of this year.