Russia is taking the final step toward creating its own aircraft industry, completely independent of the US’ Boeing and France’s Airbus industry giants. All thanks to Russia’s completely domestically produced Yakovlev MC-21 and Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SJ-100) planes.
Russian Airliners
Debut flights of MC-21 and SJ-100 aircraft with domestic engines are planned for 2025. This landmark event will demonstrate Russia's ability to not only to design and build modern airliners, but also to eliminate dependence on Western suppliers for components, the country’s Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov said.
MC-21 is a new generation medium-haul single-aisle airliner, developed by the Yakovlev Corporation, and its production is scheduled for 2025. Serial production of the MC-21 is underway, with the planes awaiting completion of certification tests.
Airlines can expect to receive at least 10 such craft in 2025. Production facilities may be ready to produce 36 aircraft of that type annually in about three years’ time, according to Russian experts.
Russian Engines
The PD-14 turboprop engine for the MC-21 aircraft is ready, with certification flights set for late March-early April 2025.
Certification flights of the SJ100 short-haul regional passenger jet with the domestic PD-8 engine are to begin next year as well. Ground tests of this engine are coming to an end.
Currently in development is the PD-35 prospective ultra-high thrust turbofan engine for long-range airliners and military transport aircraft.