The development of a new version of the MC-21 passenger airliner – the shortened MC-21-210 – has begun in Russia. The contract for the creation of the aircraft was concluded by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and PAO "Yakovlev".
AviaPress24 published the characteristics of the aircraft. The main feature of the modification is an increased flight range with reduced passenger capacity.
The aircraft is designed for approximately 140–150 passengers and is intended to occupy the niche of medium-haul airliners, traditionally dominated by the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.
The aircraft will receive PD-14 engines, a unified cockpit, and lightweight structural elements. Engineers are also working on reducing the airliner's mass.
The project includes the development of a lightweight composite wing caisson and the modernization of power plant pylons. These solutions are expected to improve aerodynamics and increase flight range without a significant increase in fuel consumption.
The cost of the work amounted to almost 20 billion rubles, and the first flight of the prototype is expected by the end of 2028.