Currently, each built medium-range MS-21-310 aircraft is individual, as the aircraft have not yet entered mass production. This was stated by Konstantin Stepanov, a fitter-assembler in the final assembly shop of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant.
Stepanov is involved in the assembly of hydraulic systems designed to control and power all aircraft units.
The working day starts at 7:30 and ends at 17:00. Working is not boring, until we enter the series, there is always something new. Each aircraft is individual.
Sergey Makhetov, head of the shift in the final assembly shop of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, admitted that he is overwhelmed with a sense of responsibility and pride for the aircraft.
When we saw the test flights, it was, of course, impressive. The machine came out of our shop.
It should be noted that the individuality and dissimilarity of each MS-21 to another is a normal process for the stage the aircraft is currently at.
While pre-production assembly is underway, engineers are looking for the best ways to route cables or install components. For example, if a better solution is found on the fifth aircraft than on the fourth, it is implemented.
Mass production will begin when the design is recognized as ideal. Then IAZ will introduce rigid tooling, and the aircraft will become the same, like parts of a constructor, so that they are cheaper and easier to maintain in airlines.