Russia certifies P&W engine for MC-21

The Aviation Register of Interstate Aviation Committee (AR IAC) has announced successful certificate validation for the PW1400G-JM engine developed by Pratt & Whitney for the new Russian narrow-body MC-21 aircraft.

The certified PW1431G-JM version is one of the powerplant options for the MC-21-300, which was rolled out in June this year.

The Russian validation of the engine certificate is a crucial step in the preparation process for the first flight. So far flight tests are scheduled for 2017. The final approval, however, will be granted upon completion of the aircraft’s static tests conducted by TsAGI (Central Aerohydrodymanic Institute).

PW1431G-JM’s takeoff thrust is 14 tons while another validated modification, PW1428G-JM, is designed for the aircraft’s shortened version, the МС-21-200, and produces 12.7 tons of thrust.

The AR IAC has also granted type certificates for the PW1100G-JM family engines (PW1133G-JM, PW1133GA-JM, PW1130G-JM, PW1127G-JM, PW1127GA-JM, PW1127G1-JM, PW1124G-JM, PW1124G1-JM, PW1122G-JM versions) used on the А319, A320 and A321neo.

Among Russian airlines S7 is to become the first operator of the A320’s re-engined version. The company has signed a leasing agreement for three A321neos and a letter of intent for two more of them. The delivery is expected in 2017.

Besides Russia, AR IAC’s certificates are recognized by all former Soviet republics except for the Baltic states. Kazakhstan’s national carrier Air Astana will be another operator of this aircraft family within the CIS. It has ordered three A320neos, four A321neos and one A321neo long range. The airline is to get its first A320neo in spring next year.