Russian MC-21 Airliner Enters Second Stage of Test Flights

Irkut Corporation has started the second stage of in-plant development tests for Russia’s newest commercial plane MC-21, the manufacturer announced Wednesday.

"On September 13, the second stage of MC-21-300 in-plant development tests program began," the corporation said in a report at its official homepage. "The modified airplane systems worked without complaint during the flight. The flight lasted about 2 hours".

During the preparations for the second stage of the flight tests, strain gauges were mounted to the aircraft, the statement noted. Also, on the basis of the results of first flight test stage, the aircraft software was adjusted.

"The main goal of this stage of testing is to extend the range of flights by mass, centering, speed and altitude," the statement specified.

The MC-21-300, will have a seating capacity for 163 to 211 customers. First supplies of MC-21’s to the airlines have been scheduled for the end of 2018 while their batch manufacturing is to begin before the end of this year.