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 "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.
We designed, developed and manufactured a unique combined aerodynamic model. 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.
