Production-standard twinjet undertakes long-distance flight days after maiden sortie.
Russia’s United Aircraft has flown the initial serially-built Yakovlev MC-21-310 to Moscow for testing and preparation for painting in customer colours.
The aircraft, number 73362, departed the Irkutsk aviation plant at about 16:15 on 13 August, and flew to the Gromov flight research institute at Zhukovsky, a distance of some 2,270nm (4,200km).
Three crew members were on board the twinjet, which is powered by Aviadvigatel PD-14 engines. The flight took 5h 50min, landing at about 17:00 Moscow time.
United Aircraft says the MC-21 flew at altitudes up to 12,100m (39,700ft).
Test pilot and captain Roman Taskaev says it “performed well on its first long-distance flight, with all systems operating normally”.
Built to production standard, following redevelopment as an import-substituted version, the jet carried out its maiden flight on 3 August.
Russian state technology firm Rostec says United Aircraft specialists will check the MC-21’s systems in Moscow and “prepare it for painting in the customer’s livery”.
Aeroflot Group is set to be the first operator of the type, once it achieves certification.
“Production chains have been established to establish serial production of the aircraft,” says Rostec. “The Irkutsk aircraft plant is ready to begin fulfilling new orders for the MC-21.”
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