Specialists of PJSC Yakovlev (part of the United Aircraft Corporation) continue intensive testing of the new MC-21 aircraft before the start of mass production. Deputy Head of the Flight Test and Development Complex for Civil Aviation Technology, Nikolai Fonurin, talked about the tests already carried out.
According to him, the work of the testers is to evaluate the aircraft outside the area of operational limitations.
In the world of aviation, there is such a concept as a "boot" — the operational area for performing flights. A striking example is that during the tests we passed the minimum speed and started braking. We come to a special test program — to large angles and stalls.
He added that if you look at the liner from the side during testing, you can see how its angle of attack increases. The phenomenon of "buffeting" is also likely, when shaking appears. Visually, this is not always visible from the outside, but inside it is well felt.
When braking, there is also a so-called stall on the wing, when the aircraft enters a spin. Maximum speeds are when the aircraft accelerates and enters the flutter zone, where buffeting also occurs. We don't go as far as destroying the structure, but up to the values when the aircraft gains the calculated speed. Our task is to feel and understand the limitations so that the aircraft control system does not allow the crew to find themselves in these conditions.
In September, specialists of PJSC Yakovlev conducted safety tests for the removal of drainable flammable liquids on the MC-21-310 aircraft with domestically produced systems. Mass production of the liners should start in 2026.
Earlier www1.ru reported that ODK will provide round-the-clock maintenance of PD-8 and PD-14 for airlines.