Russian MS-21-300 Airliner Demonstrates 3800 km Range, Single Engine Take-off

The Russian MS-21-300 airliner which is undergoing certification tests for its launch customer, a Russia-based airline, conducted a series of flights to demonstrate the aircraft's main operational characteristics.

The flights were carried out on a fully import-substituting MS-21-310 aircraft with a payload simulating  175 passengers besides take off on a single engine.

"A range of over 3,800 km was recorded with a payload of 175 passengers, while maintaining a standard reserve fuel supply," said MS-21 Chief Designer Vitaly Naryshkin following the flights.

The long-range flight was carried out using a standard profile that simulated the actual operating mode as closely as possible.

During the flights, the aircraft's ability to take off with one engine failing was also tested. The takeoff distance and rate of climb were within the design parameters.

"We are pleased with the flight results. They were conducted with a payload corresponding to the two-class, 175-seat configuration we agreed upon with the customer for the first batch of MS-21s. We are ready to confirm these results during the aircraft's upcoming certification tests," said Anatoly Gaidansky, First Deputy Managing Director of the Yakovlev Engineering Center which is conducting the certification tests.

"The specified fuel balance, including the aeronautical reserve and all standardized fuel additives for diversion to an alternate airfield, has been maintained," noted Yakovlev PJSC Flight Test Director, Honored Test Pilot of the Russian Federation, and Hero of Russia Roman Taskaev.

"Airworthiness standards require that the failure of one engine should not result in critical consequences at any stage of flight, including takeoff. For a twin-engine aircraft, this is the most critical parameter, limiting the maximum takeoff weight," explained Pavel Sokut, head of the civil aircraft flight test department at Yakovlev.