MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Russia's Irkut Corporation started the second stage of flight tests of MC-21 aircraft on Wednesday.
"On September 13, the second stage of MC-21-300 in-plant development tests program has begun. The modified airplane systems worked without complaint during the flight. The flight lasted about 2 hours," the statement read.
"The main goal of this stage of testing is to extend the range of flights by mass, centering, speed and altitude," the statement specified.
The maiden flight of MC-21 passenger plane dubbed as "Russia's answer to Boeig" took place on May 28 at the airfield of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant and was followed by a series of test flights in June. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said earlier that the number of solid orders for MC-21 aircraft has grown to 205 units.
As of June, three foreign states voiced interest in purchasing the plane.
