The first flight under the program took place in Zhukovsky, radio communication equipment was tested

Photo: United Aircraft Corporation

The MC-21 medium-range aircraft prototype designed by Yakovlev with Russian systems and equipment has proceeded to the certification test. The first flight under the program was performed from the airfield of Flight Research Institute named after M.M.Gromov in Zhukovsky, radio communication equipment was tested. The airplane was airborne for four hours, the tests were conducted at different altitudes.

“There are only three foreign systems: drives, brakes and generators, left on the airplane that has started the certification test today. A fully import-substituted aircraft, that will have only Russian systems and equipment, will join the program soon. It is currently at the final assembly shop. We work in limited time conditions because we understand that airlines are waiting for the MC-21. Therefore, commercial production is being prepared alongside with certification — there are more than 20 planes at various degrees of completeness at the factory. Supplies of new airplanes to customers are expected to start in the next year,” said Oleg Evtushenko, Executive Director of Rostec State Corporation.

This aircraft made a nonstop flight from Irkutsk to Zhukovsky at the beginning of May. The airplane has Russian avionics, including computers, switches, navigation and wireless communication systems. The aircraft has also received a domestically-made auxiliary propulsion system, air conditioning and pressure control systems, lighting and aircraft system control panels. Russian components are included in the power supply, hydraulic systems and landing gear.