MC-21MC-21

Specifications MC-21

The figures in this table refer to one specific variant — MC-21-310. This avoids combining the range, capacity and dimensions of different versions into an inaccurate set of figures.

Variant shown in the table

MC-21-310

Type

medium-haul narrow-body aircraft

Family's first flight

2017 year

Passenger capacity

163 seats in a typical two-class layout; maximum 211

Flight range

up to 3,830 km with 175 passengers

Max Cruise Number Mach

M 0,82

Length

42,25 m

Wingspan

35,90 m

How the aircraft came about

History MC-21

The MC-21-300 first flew in 2017. During the program, the MC-21-310 variant with Russian engines is created and the share of domestic systems is expanding.

The MC-21 program began to replace some of the aircraft of previous generations on medium-haul lines. The first MC-21-300 took to the air in 2017. Later, the development focused on replacing imported systems and creating a version with the Russian PD-14 engine. The project has passed successive stages of testing and certification.

Milestones and decisions

Programme development

MC-21 was introduced as a new generation of Russian narrow-body aircraft. The first test boards used Pratt & Whitney engines, and a separate branch of the program received the Russian PD-14. The changes also affected the composite wing and on-board equipment, so the localized aircraft passes its own checks. The stated release dates have been repeatedly revised; for the article, the actual test stages are more important than the early supply plans.

Model features

Design and variants

The MC-21 has one aisle and a wider fuselage than a number of competitors. A wing with a large proportion of composite materials is one of the key features of the program. Pratt & Whitney PW1400G was used for the first flight samples, and MC-21-310 is tested with PD-14; the performance of these engines should not be mixed.

The main program designations are MC-21-300 with PW1400G and MC-21-310 with PD-14. Changing suppliers of equipment affects not only the engine: different systems and testing volume. The table of characteristics refers to the specified modification and does not confirm the beginning of regular transportation of each version.

Powerplant

Engines

Two Russian PD-14 turbofan engines.

The engine variant fitted to an individual aircraft is recorded in its documentation. The powerplant affects thrust, fuel consumption, noise and maintenance requirements.

On board

Cabin and passenger capacity

One pass; a wide fuselage allows for increased passage and seat width relative to many aircraft of the same segment.

Passenger capacity - 163 seats in a typical two-class layout; a maximum of 211. The exact number of seats is determined by the operator: business class, kitchens, toilets and recreation areas of the crew take place. Therefore, the layout of the cabin differs even with the same models.

In practice

Operations and uses

The family targets the most common segment of medium-haul single-pass transportation. The width of the cabin and the composite wing were important arguments for the project, but the commercial application depends on the completion of tests of a particular version and the readiness of its systems. MC-21-300 and MC-21-310 differ in engine and equipment composition, so the expected capabilities can not be described by one common figure.

Technical analysis

How it works MC-21

MC-21 was conceived as a new Russian aircraft for the most common class of medium-haul transportation. Unlike the continuation of the old airframe, the project received a new wing with a large proportion of composite materials and a wider fuselage for its class. These solutions were to combine passenger space with aerodynamic efficiency. The first MC-21-300 flew in 2017, after which a long program of design and systems testing began.

The first flight models used Pratt & Whitney PW1400G engines. For the Russian version of the MC-21-310, the PD-14 was chosen; the engine change affects the weight, flow rate, control systems and maintenance procedures. Changes in suppliers also affected on-board equipment and wing materials. Therefore, the technical results of one early prototype can not be transferred to a late configuration with a different set of units without verification.

At the certification stage, the tests go far beyond a few demonstration flights. Check the behavior of the aircraft in different modes, the operation of systems in case of failures, the resource of the design, takeoff and landing with different masses. A separate task is the organization of serial production with repeated quality. Due to these stages, the delivery dates announced over the years have changed; actual readiness is determined by the checks performed and the tolerance of a particular version.

History and operations

Role MC-21 in airline service

MC-21 is designed for domestic and international lines, which need an aircraft with one pass and a large number of seats. In terms of market role, it is close to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, but the same segment does not mean the same design or operational history. For the airline, the size of the cabin, the range with real loading and the ability to maintain the fleet with spare parts at different airports are important.

While the variant is being tested, it can be evaluated according to the confirmed program stages and published characteristics conditions, but it cannot be described as an established regular park. The first passenger flight will require a certified aircraft, trained crews, service regulations and ready infrastructure. Even after such a launch, statistics of reliability and costs will appear gradually, as the raid accumulates.

The MC-21 passenger cabin was designed with attention to the width of the fuselage and the convenience of landing. But the exact number of seats, the distance between the rows and additional zones will be determined by the customer. A more spacious interior can be used to increase comfort, and for a different arrangement of seats. Therefore, the assessment of the model for one maximum number of passengers says little about how a particular flight will look.

For comparison

Location MC-21 among other aircraft

Russian models in the catalog belong to several independent tasks and generations. Tu-204, Tu-214 and Il-96 were created at the end of the Soviet period and later used in passenger and special aviation. Regional Il-114 chose a turboprop scheme. The Superjet 100 became a later jet program for relatively short routes, and the SJ-100 continues it with a changed system composition and engine. MC-21 belongs to the class of new medium-haul airliners. These programs can not be combined into one line of characteristics: they differ in the size of the cabin, role, engines and degree of readiness. Yak-130 generally refers to the military training of pilots and requires a separate approach to comparison.

In the history of each program, you need to distinguish between the first flight, certificate, the beginning of serial production and a real passenger flight. These events can be separated by years. For the updated version of the test of the original aircraft does not automatically prove the readiness of new engines and systems. This approach is especially important when reading information about the MC-21, SJ-100 and Il-114-300: the timing of deliveries was repeatedly announced in advance, and the technical stages must be evaluated according to the inspections actually performed. For older types, the exact modification and purpose of the board is more important - the passenger Tu-214 or Il-96 differs from a special aircraft on a close platform. Even when size fits the route, an airline needs sustainable service and spare parts availability.

In the MC-21 program, the new wing and the choice of powerplant for a particular version are of key importance. Information about the first test aircraft does not replace the results of configuration checks with changed engines and systems. Before regular operation, certification flights, crew training, spare parts and maintenance procedures are required. Therefore, messages about the assembly, first flight, certificate and the beginning of passenger transportation belong to different stages. When comparing with the A320 or 737, it is necessary to separate the confirmed properties of the experimental machine from the goals of the future serial version.

During the transition to the series, particular attention is paid to the repeatability of production: one successful test piece should turn into a park with the same controlled quality. Only after that, the airline will be able to assess the regularity of flights and maintenance costs.

Where it flies

Airline operators

Examples of current or historically notable operators of the model and its variants:

• aircraft undergo a program of testing and preparation for serial commissioning

Fleets change. Check the aircraft type and seat map on the airline's official website before your flight.