The first test flight of the fully import-substituted MC-21 aircraft is scheduled for 2024, according to Yuri Slyusar, General Director of PJSC United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), as reported by Interfax. This statement was made on the sidelines of the Army-2024 forum.
According to Slyusar, 230 flights will be conducted for the certification of the MC-21. The head of UAC did not specify the flight performance characteristics of the first production aircraft, but noted that complex work is currently underway to replace the aircraft's systems with domestic alternatives, including the replacement of materials, components, and technical solutions.
In June, Slyusar reported that test flights with Russian PD-14 engines would begin in September 2024. UAC planned to begin deliveries of the MC-21 to Aeroflot from September 2025.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that MC-21 aircraft with domestic PD-14 engines were expected to enter service with Russian airlines in 2024. However, the Cabinet later postponed the delivery dates to 2025.
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