The Russian passenger aircraft MC-21 can gain an advantage over foreign counterparts if the PD-14 engine confirms its stated characteristics at different flight modes. This conclusion was reached by Dmitry Dyakonov, chief designer of KB-602 and a lecturer at an engineering university.
According to the specialist, most civil aircraft, including Boeing and Airbus models, are designed to operate at altitudes from 8 to 12 kilometers. It is at these altitudes that engines provide minimal fuel consumption, and the aircraft's aerodynamics work most efficiently. When the altitude is lowered, the operating conditions of the power plant and airframe change, which requires adjustment of standard calculations for range and fuel consumption.
At the same time, Dyakonov believes that the Russian PD-14 engine may be more versatile. In his opinion, the developers promise characteristics that will allow the engine to work more efficiently not only at altitudes customary for civil aviation.
Perhaps, unlike Boeing and Airbus engines, these engines will not care at what altitude they operate. Anything can be expected from our engine engineers. They, at least, promise that their engines will be better than the 'bourgeois' ones. And I see no reason not to trust them in advance. Let them show it.
The expert also drew attention to the certification of the MC-21. According to him, all serial aircraft must be produced in a single configuration, regardless of the tail number. This will avoid a situation where the first aircraft differ from subsequent ones and become less attractive to airlines.
According to Dyakonov, Russian manufacturers cannot afford to produce aircraft that require expensive modifications after the start of serial production. That is why, when creating the MC-21, special attention is paid to the unification of the design and bringing all serial aircraft to a single standard.