Summary

  • The MC-21 is set to be a game-changer in aviation, with impressive comfort and performance features.
  • Development setbacks due to international sanctions and engine challenges have pushed back delivery dates.
  • With Aeroflot leading the pack in orders, the MC-21 program faces significant changes to meet certification standards.

The Russian-made Yakovlev MC-21 program was launched over a decade ago. While officials initially projected that the plane would enter service in 2016, it has been pushed back to at least 2025 due to international sanctions against Russia and additional testing due to weight issues. At least more than 200 orders have been placed for the MC-21. The standard variant, the MC-21-300, is expected to have a capacity of up to 211 passengers and a range of up to 4,000 miles.

The aircraft received its name as it translates in Russian as the 21st century’s mainline aircraft. It has been marketed as the MC-21, but its designation in Russian is reportedly MS-21. The unit cost of the smaller MC-21-200 is expected to be $72 million, while the MC-21-300 is a bit more at $91 million. The aircraft type is expected to compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX, replacing aging Tupolev Tu-134, Tu-151, Tu-204, and Yakovlev Yak-42 aircraft.

Unlike any other aircraft

The aircraft, with the board number 73051, first took flight in 2017, according to Russianplanes.net. One notable feature of the MC-21 is its wing, which is made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. The aircraft can be powered by two different engines – the Aviadigatel PD-14 turbofans or Pratt & Whitney PW1000G engines.

According to Yakovlev, the company which manufactures the jet, the MC-21 will set a new standard of comfort for narrowbody aircraft while also meeting the standards of long-haul aircraft. Its cabin dimension was taken into account to increase passengers’ anthropometric parameters.

Yakovlev MC-21-300.

Photo: Yakovlev

The aircraft is also expected to offer a plethora of performance advantages. Its development comes from a partnership with Russia’s leading manufacturers of aviation systems. Cooperation with other companies is expected to ensure the plane’s digital technologies and design quality. Yakovlev believes the MC-21 will introduce a technological renewal of Russia’s aviation industry.

Yakovlev MC-21-300.

Photo: Yakovlev

Some of the design features include:

  • High aerodynamic perfection with a high-aspect-ratio composite wing
  • The new generation PD-14 engines allow for more efficient fuel consumption
  • A digital control system with quadruple redundancy
  • Active linked control side sticks
  • Reduced noise and fuel emissions

For passengers, the MC-21 is expected to expand personal space, allow for freedom of movement, have larger overhead bins, increase window size, and provide comfortable cabin pressure. It is expected to be operational in all climatic zones and conditions, including some of the coldest or hottest temperatures.

Development Complications

Throughout the early years of its development, the demand for the MC-21s was estimated in 2017 to reach four figures over the next two decades, according to FlightGlobal. However, production and certification testing would face delays. Approval from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency was initially expected in mid-2020. At the beginning of that year, the first Russian-designed engines, PD-14s, were installed on an MC-21-310 aircraft, and it made its maiden flight in December. The specific aircraft type was expected to be certified by 2022.

Yakovlev MC-21 landing.

Photo: Yakovlev

International sanctions against Russia were imposed in 2022 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This would ultimately affect the use of the Pratt & Whitney-made engines as the country could not receive parts. Yrui Boriso, the Deputy Head of the Russian government body responsible for the military-industrial complex, spoke about the complications in April 2022, according to Aviation International News.

“Earlier, the industry promised the aircraft with two engine options. Now, we are launching the type into serial production with the PD-14 only. Besides, a number of critical items in the avionics package will be replaced by local substitutes.” The need to use Russian avionics will delay first shipment to either late 2024 or 2025.”

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At least five airlines have ordered the MC-21 so far.

Airlines

Orders

Aeroflot

210+

Rossiya Airlines

12+

Izhavia

8

Aurora

10

Azerbaijan Airlines

10

Unsurprisingly, Aeroflot, Russia’s largest airline and flag carrier, has the most orders for the MC-21. The carrier intends to make the aircraft its flagship, with more than 200 on order. Azerbaijan Airlines is one of the few international carriers that have expressed interest in the jet. However, it is unclear if the airline has remained interested due to the crippling sanctions that have pushed back certification and service entry dates.

As late as 2026

Simple Flying previously reported that the MC-21 program has been in a stalemate. It is now estimated that the aircraft will be heavier by nearly six tons, with a shorter range and reduced capacity. This is mainly due to Yakovlev finding Russian-produced parts to continue with the aircraft production amid the sanctions, which does not just include the engines. As much as 50% of the MC-21’s parts were planned to be imported from Western locations. However, the PW1000G engines that were initially part of the aircraft’s concept are reportedly unable to fit on the aircraft.

Yakovlev MC-21-300.

Photo: Yakovlev

As a result, the entire aircraft’s specifications will likely change, significantly affecting its range, altitude, and other performance capabilities. The range is anticipated to be reduced to less than 1,240 miles. Delivery of the aircraft has now been pushed back as late as two years. According to Interfax, Sergei Chemzov, the head of Rostec Enterprises, a state-owned defense conglomerate, spoke about the delay earlier this year, sharing as follows:

“There won’t be a year until the end of 2024,” Chemezov remarked. “…most likely (to 2025)- maybe even to 2026. Our tests have not yet been completed. As soon as we complete the tests, we will immediately see the results (…) We are still worried about the safety of all of us – we will fly on these planes.”

What are your thoughts on the MC-21? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

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