Yakovlev (Irkut) MS-21

… but still, how many can be sold and will be built within the next years?
 

Serial production of SSJ New, МС-21 airliners to start in 2024, defense firm chief says

Yury Slyusar noted that the first flight of the SSJ New aircraft was planned in the middle of 2023
tass.com

MOSCOW, August 16. /TASS/. Serial production of SSJ New airliners, which will almost fully consist of Russian components, as well as МС-21 aircraft with Russian engines, is planned to start in 2024, Head of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Yury Slyusar told TASS at the Army 2022 international military-technical forum on Tuesday.

"Considering the production cycle and speeding up the implementation of import substitution program, including engine, aviation electronics and other systems and components, it is planned to start serial production of the Russified aircraft by 2024. On MC-21 the key task is to start the production of the airliner in the Russian variant in 2024," he said.

On Monday, Slyusar said the first flight of the SSJ New aircraft is planned in the middle of 2023.
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Looks like the first production aircraft is about to enter service, once route proving trials and crew training are completed. It's a shame that it's long term prospects have been completely derailed as a result of the current geopolitical situation. :(

Edit: According to the article above, this airframe won't begin flying revenue services until 2025. So we're still a long way off until we this aircraft carrying paying passengers.

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/qretaxyeta/status/1606576199580385281


View: https://mobile.twitter.com/La_souris_DA/status/1606193329967767552


View: https://mobile.twitter.com/fGr6JW3waJ1FKMN/status/1606568921674682369
 
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View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuNuIe2f0sw


The MC-21, a promising Russian passenger aircraft, faces a lengthy certification and refinement process, delaying its entry into commercial service until at least 2028. Test pilot Roman Taskaev highlighted the challenges, noting that while the aircraft's design and characteristics are appealing to Russian airlines, its full potential remains unrealized. Certification, a rigorous process involving both the aircraft and its components, is ongoing, with localized PD-14 engines set for certification flights in 2025.The Irkutsk Aviation Plant is undergoing a significant modernization to support mass production of the MC-21, targeting 36 aircraft per year by 2026. This upgrade includes facility construction, warehouse expansion, and technical enhancements to ensure high-quality production and maintenance. Additionally, South-Russian State Polytechnical University has developed a cutting-edge composite wing production system, replacing imported technology and strengthening domestic capabilities.The MC-21 is positioned as a competitor to the Tu-214, with Aeroflot planning to purchase 339 MC-21s instead of the Tu-214. Despite delays, the project represents a major step in Russia's aviation industry, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign technology and establish a robust domestic aircraft manufacturing sector.
 
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NAZ Sokol continues preparations for participation in cooperation to create the MS-21 aircraft ✈️In February 2025, NAZ Sokol began installing the first domestic automatic riveting complex.The riveting machine is high-tech equipment designed to improve the accuracy and speed of riveting operations. Its implementation will significantly reduce production time, improve assembly quality and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.To ensure successful installation of the equipment, the chief engineer service of NAZ Sokol carried out a major overhaul of the section in the unit assembly shop.In addition, specialists organized the installation of a high-quality foundation, which will ensure the stability and durability of the riveting machine.Currently, the riveting machine's track system is being installed, which is a key element of its design.The track system ensures precise movement of equipment along the assembly line, which is especially important for working with large-sized aircraft components.The main objective of the new equipment is to replace manual riveting with automatic riveting and minimize the influence of the human factor, ensure high quality of work, high repeatability and uniform distribution of load along the entire riveted joint. All this will allow the technological parameters to always be within tolerance.In addition, the use of domestic equipment will reduce the costs of imported technologies and increase the competitiveness of products.It is expected that the installation of the automatic riveting complex will be completed by the end of November 2025. After that, commissioning work and personnel training will begin.

ПАО «ОАК»

На НАЗ «Сокол» продолжается подготовка к участию в кооперации по созданию самолета МС-21 ✈️ В феврале 2025 года на НАЗ «Сокол» начался монтаж первого отечественного комплекса автоматической клепки. Клепальный автомат представляет собой высокотехнологичное оборудование, предназначенное для...
t.me
The manufacturer of Su-30 fighters and MS-21 airliners is completing the construction of a new flight test complex
The new building of the Irkutsk aircraft plant will house an administrative and amenity building, a parking and repair bays


The Irkutsk aircraft plant is completing the construction of a new garage complex for the flight test department and the reconstruction of the production building. This was reported by the Telegram channel "Notes of aircraft builders".

Irkutsk aircraft plant

The garage complex is a two-story building with an area of almost 4,000 m². The building will house an administrative and amenity building, a repair and parking bays. The expected completion date for the facility is early May.

The parking bay has 12 large gates for the convenience of entering and exiting vehicles. The premises will also house machines used for treating aircraft with anti-icing agents, maintaining the airfield area, starting aircraft engines and other special equipment

The repair bay, designed for repair and maintenance of special equipment of shop 216, is equipped with inspection pits, a crane beam and an assembly area.

Currently, the aircraft plant produces Su-30 fighters, new-generation Yak-130 combat training aircraft and is working on creating the MS-21 airliner.

Earlier, www1.ru reported that a unified system for servicing the Baikal, Osvey and Ladoga aircraft will appear in Russia.

Изготовитель истребителей Су-30 и лайнеров МС-21 завершает строительство нового летно-испытательного комплекса

На Иркутском авиационном заводе завершается возведение нового гаражного комплекса для летно-испытательного подразделения и реконструкция производственного корпуса. Об этом сообщил Telegram-канал «Заметки авиастроителей». Иркутский авиазавод Изображение Яковлев Гаражный комплекс представляет собой
www1.ru
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ComradeVortex said:
Anybody knows the status of the MC-21? Flying testing or certifications?
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I believe the maiden flight of the first prototype MS-21-310RUS yet to happen, while it was planned on the April 2024. I assume there is some delay with development of components supposed to replace the import ones.
 

Ростех

✈️ Ростех: МС-21 с новыми российскими системами совершил первый полет. Опытный образец среднемагистрального самолета МС-21, оснащенный новыми российскими системами и агрегатами, впервые поднялся в небо. Этот полет дал старт заводским доводочным испытаниям. На борту машины тестировалась...
t.me
 
Scar said:
I believe the maiden flight of the first prototype MS-21-310RUS yet to happen, while it was planned on the April 2024. I assume there is some delay with development of components supposed to replace the import ones.
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Right on time. LOL
 
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View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEnU89k8NwU

A major milestone in Russian aviation! The MC-21 medium-haul jet, now fitted with fully Russian-made systems and components, has completed its first flight from the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. This event is not just about an aircraft — it marks a critical moment in Russia’s pursuit of technological sovereignty in the face of global sanctions. From new avionics to PD-14 engines, see how the MC-21 is set to replace foreign aircraft like Boeing and Airbus in Russian skies.
 
Scar said:
I believe the maiden flight of the first prototype MS-21-310RUS yet to happen, while it was planned on the April 2024. I assume there is some delay with development of components supposed to replace the import ones.
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Oh boy… I just have some news

MC-21-310 Makes Maiden Flight​

Source: https://ruavia.su/mc-21-310-makes-maiden-flight/

The Russian aviation industry is rounding off April 2025 with positive news: On 23rd April, the first flight of the fully import-substituted SJ-100 aircraft took place, and equally significant news has emerged from Irkutsk. A prototype of the MC-21-310 medium-range airliner, tail number 73055, equipped with new Russian systems and components, made its maiden flight from Irkutsk Aviation Plant’s airfield.


The aircraft was piloted by a crew consisting of test pilots Alexander Guskov and Hero of Russia Roman Taskaev, as well as lead flight test engineers Alexander Popov and Alexander Solovyev. The flight lasted 1 hour 15 minutes. A speed of 580 km/h and an altitude of 3,000 m were reached.
The crew carried out checks of the domestic avionics suite, electrical power systems, air conditioning, and other systems. This flight was the first after the replacement of foreign systems. During the trials, the crew performed landing gear retraction and extension. This flight marked the start of factory fine-tuning trials; upon completion, the aircraft will return to Zhukovsky, where certification trials will take place.
“Two modified MC-21 prototypes [tail number 73055 serial number MS.0012 and tail number 73057 serial number MS.0013 – will participate in the flight trials under the import substitution programme. Previously, they were involved in certification trials with foreign systems. A number of imported systems have been replaced on the first aircraft, which made its first flight. It has received a Russian avionics suite. This includes computers, switches, navigation systems, and radio communication equipment. A domestic auxiliary power unit, air conditioning and pressure regulation systems, lighting, and aircraft systems control panels have also been installed. Russian components have been integrated into the electrical power system, hydraulic system, and landing gear,” the United Aircraft Corporation’s press service reported.
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The aircraft was flown to Irkutsk from Zhukovsky on 7th July 2023. During the work to replace the foreign systems, the PD-14 engines, on which the aircraft had undergone certification flights, were removed. The engines were sent to Perm, where they were dissected to identify and eliminate any potential bottlenecks. New PD-14s have been installed on the aircraft. Resumption of flights for this aircraft was initially expected at the end of 2023, then in the summer and at the end of December 2024.
The first flight of the aircraft with Russian systems was only possible after specialists from co-operating enterprises were satisfied that all new systems were working reliably. The shifting of deadlines demonstrates the complexity of the tasks associated with import substitution in the aviation industry. Essentially, Yakovlev’s designers have created all the foreign onboard systems from scratch, and the same applies to the Superjet.

Previously, on 31st March, the third Il-114-300 prototype (54115), which also has no foreign components, joined the certification trials. All three types: MC-21, SJ-100, and Il-114-300, are expected to complete certification trials by the end of the current year, and deliveries to customers and commercial passenger operations will commence from 2026.
 
This would be a good military platform. I never understood why Russia never really uses modified civil aircraft for military purposes unlike NATO and some none NATO countries. Something like an MC-21 is, for example, smaller, lighter and can accommodate for more runways due to its shorter takeoff distances and weight than something like an IL-76. This aircraft would be a good AWACS or aerial refueling platform too. Economical it would also make sense when mass produced the price would decrease and it would provide some versatility as Russia doesn’t have any medium sized AWACS aircraft and it certainly doesn’t have light AWACS besides if you count helicopters. Although not civilian the IL-276 would be a nice light AWACS that would probably be more useful and versatile in a high intensity conflict where there are limitations in runways and smaller RCS makes a difference.
 
Galaxy said:
This would be a good military platform. I never understood why Russia never really uses modified civil aircraft for military purposes unlike NATO and some none NATO countries.
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9 years ago, when i asked more knowledgeable person on the possibility of making military airplanes, like ELINT, ASW etc., on the basis of MS-21 hew told it won't happen since it might ruin MS-21 commercial prospects and components deliveries, first of all P&W engines, due to US sanctions automatically laid down on any platform that is used for the military purposes.

But i guess now it's not a factor. And i am all for the idea of making special military planes based on MS-21.
 
Scar said:
9 years ago, when i asked more knowledgeable person on the possibility of making military airplanes, like ELINT, ASW etc., on the basis of MS-21 hew told it won't happen since it might ruin MS-21 commercial prospects and components deliveries, first of all P&W engines, due to US sanctions automatically laid down on any platform that is used for the military purposes.

But i guess now it's not a factor. And i am all for the idea of making special military planes based on MS-21.
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That is an interesting take and something that sounds reasonable, Russia isn’t concerned anymore about exporting these aircraft to western nations since Russia is under sanctions anyways nor is Russia concerned about the ‘imagine’ of these aircraft being used for military purposes since again it won’t be exported to the west. In regards to western companies especially defense contractors like P&W, Russia is now independent as the MC-21 uses domestic engines, besides that the US has been actively trying to kill Russian defense companies by threatening other countries with consequences if it buys Russian equipment with the goal of companies such as P&W taking business from traditional Russian clients.

One important thing I forgot to mention is that the MC-21 comes in different size configurations giving the aircraft and potential military operator’s even greater options, flexibility and roles. The MC-21 makes so much more sense than an IL-76, for the reasons I already explained with versatility in regard to size options and being able to takeoff and land on smaller runways but logically it would be a cheaper aircraft to operate since it’s should have less drag and the PD-14 engines are very efficient with a fuel consumption of 0.506 LB/(LBF•H) as compared to the newer PS-90A-76 that are rated at 0.595 LB/(LBF•H).

IL-76 has its role as a heavy AWACs, long haul transport and tanker but that is also the problem as Russia relies only on heavy AWACS that require fairly long runways.
 


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