Russian aircraft manufacturers are already working on a mainline aircraft with an innovative layout — an oval fuselage. This was announced by Andrey Dutov, General Director of the National Research Center "N. E. Zhukovsky Institute".
According to him, the airliners are planned to carry 220–250 passengers over a range of 8,000–9,000 km. Dutov explained that the flattened shape of the fuselage and integration with the wing reduces drag by 10–15% compared to a traditional round fuselage.
This layout provides more free space in the cabin and the ability to transform a passenger aircraft into a cargo aircraft and back. Dutov clarified that a total of three options were considered — a classic layout with a round fuselage and two options with an oval fuselage, differing in the location of the wing.
A unique combined aerodynamic model was designed, developed and manufactured. All alternative schemes were tested and mathematically calculated. And we are also starting to create a demonstrator.
According to him, the project is designed to compete with Boeing, Airbus and Chinese manufacturers. Design bureaus will be able to start creating an integrated aircraft in a year or two.
Dutov also stated that Russian engineers are planning to start developing a new generation of civil aircraft after 2028–2029.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that ODK has accelerated the welding of parts for PD-8 and PD-14 engines by 10 times.
