Second MC-21 Airliner Prototype Makes Flight with Russian PD-14 Engines

The second MC-21 aircraft completed its first flight with domestic PD-14 engines, Russia’s state-owned Rostec has announced.

The aircraft took off from the airfield of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, a branch of UAC’s subsidiary Irkut Corporation.

In addition to installing the PD-14 on the aircraft, the systems were finalized based on the results of past flight tests. Also, in order to integrate the domestic power plant, a number of imported aircraft equipment components were replaced with Russian counterparts.

“Together with other Rostec companies, we plan to complete the certification of the aircraft with the Russian engine by the end of 2022. The connection of the second aircraft to the tests will allow us to increase the flight density and continue, together with our colleagues from the UEC, to work on tuning the engine and on-board systems for the most efficient operation as part of the MC-21,” said Andrey Boginsky, UAC Deputy General Director for Civil Aviation - General Director of Irkut Corporation.

After completing three flights, the MC-21 prototype will fly to Zhukovsky to continue certification work on the basis of the Flight Test and Development Complex of the Design Bureau named after. A.S. Yakovlev.

MC-21 is a new generation medium-haul passenger aircraft with a capacity of 163 to 211 passengers. The liner is focused on the most demanded segment of the passenger transportation market. The aircraft is created on the basis of the latest developments in the field of aircraft construction. Advanced aerodynamics, engines and systems of the latest generation provide high flight performance and reduced operating costs compared to analogues. The aerodynamic perfection of the aircraft is provided by a wing of greater elongation made of composite materials. The widest fuselage width in its class provides more personal space for passengers and increased freedom of movement.

Initially, the MC-21 project was developed with two types of power plant, but the aircraft will go into serial production with the Russian PD-14 engine. Possessing a high bypass ratio, the PD-14 is characterized by low fuel consumption, reduced noise levels and emissions of harmful substances.