Replacing Airbus and Boeing: MC-21 and SJ-100 are on the way

In the near future, Russians will be able to fly on completely domestic aircraft. What models are we talking about, how safe and comfortable are they, and how are they better than Western competitors? Read about it in the material from "Pervyi Technicheskiy".

How the MC-21 compares favorably with competitors

The fully import-substituted MC-21 aircraft with Russian systems should take to the skies in August 2025, according to the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov.

MC-21 is a narrow-body medium-range aircraft. It is produced by the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. The new vessel is capable of accommodating up to 211 passengers, with a maximum flight range of 5,100 kilometers.

The liner meets all the requirements of the time. The proportion of composites in the MC-21 design exceeds 30%, the aircraft will receive PD-14 engines with a digital control system and reduced fuel consumption.

The MC-21 is famous for the maximum aisle width in its class between seats and the cabin. Products made of composite materials can be compared to steel, but their weight is approximately three times less.

«Яковлев»

Who is ready to buy the MC-21

It was assumed that Aeroflot would operate the liners. Belavia (Belarusian Airlines) and Aurora (Far Eastern Airlines) were also among those wishing to purchase the aircraft. Also, preliminary and firm contracts were concluded by Russian airlines Angara (like IrAero, it is based in Irkutsk), ALROSA, Yakutia, Red Wings, and Nordwind.

«Суперджет» SJ-100, but completely domestic

Another novelty is the SJ-100, a version of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 with maximum import substitution of components. The project was initiated after the introduction of Western sanctions against Russia.

As part of the import substitution efforts, the machine was equipped with Russian engines, an auxiliary power unit, avionics, landing gear, control systems, air conditioning, power supply, fire protection and others. The aircraft also received a new fuselage, which includes changes that simplify the production and maintenance of the aircraft.

To speed up the certification process, three aircraft are participating in flight tests. In 2024, testing of the first prototype aircraft equipped with Russian-made units and systems and Franco-Russian SaM146 engines began.

In March 2025, the second aircraft with partially imported systems and domestic PD-8 engines joined the flight test program. Now the third, fully Russian aircraft with factory number 97 003, has joined the flight program.

Instead of the An-2 "corncob" — LMS-901 "Baikal"

Another novelty is the Baikal light multipurpose aircraft. At the end of next year, the first five samples will be sent to the Aurora airline, noted the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Anton Alikhanov.

ЛМС-901 «Байкал» — ЛМС-901 «Байкал»
Image source УЗГА

The nine-seat Baikal is being developed for regional airlines, the aircraft is designed to replace the Soviet An-2 "corncob". The first flight of the aircraft took place on January 30, 2022. The aircraft took off from the Yekaterinburg airfield and spent about 25 minutes in the air at an altitude of 500 meters.

The take-off and landing characteristics of the Baikal turned out to be 30–40% better than expected. For example, it was believed that the machine required 150 meters of take-off run for take-off, but during the test, the Baikal took off after a take-off run of 87 meters.

Earlier, www1.ru reported that ODK will sharply increase the production of aircraft engines.