First Flight of "Completely Russian" MC-21 Airliner by End 2023: UAC Chief

Russia’s troubled MC-21 airliner program which had to replace several imported components with locally-developed ones to get past Western sanctions, will mark its first flight by the end of 2024.

Key components which were replaced include an all new engine, designated PD-14, avionics and wings made of composites.

“By the end of the year, we must ensure the first flight of a completely Russian MC-21 aircraft with a PD-14 engine, with all Russian systems, in the form in which we will certify,” said Yury Slyusar, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation.

Slyusar added, “During 2024, (we must) conduct a test program on three prototype aircraft. By the end of 2024, we must hand over six aircraft to the customer.”