Airframe of MC-21 is assembled ready for testing with Russia’s PD-14 engines

Irkut is close to installing systems, wings and tail assemblies on the new MC-21 medium haul airliner (Irkut)

Irkutsk Aviation Plant, a division of Irkut Corporation that is part of Russian aircraft manufacturer UAC, has completed the assembly of the fuselage of a first MC-21-300 prototype to be powered by locally-made turbofans, the second engine option for the advanced medium-haul airliner.

Now that the semi-bodies of the prototype have been mated at the automated station, the installation of systems, the joining of wing consoles and tail assembly of this particular MC-21-300 aircraft will begin soon, the manufacturer reports.

This particular MC-21 prototype is to be powered by PD-14 engines and is built using serial production technologies, Irkut has explained to Russian Aviation Insider. It is the fifth aircraft in the MC-21 flight test programme. Assembly of the fourth was completed in November and, just as for the previous three, is powered by US-made Pratt & Whitney PW1400G engines.

Flights tests of the PD-14-powered MC-21 are scheduled for the first quarter of next year, somewhat behind the original schedule, with its certification slated for 2021. Service entry and first deliveries of PD-14-powered MC-21 are not expected to begin until 2022.