Air TransportMC-21-310 completes ground certification tests on control system and landing gear
The MC-21-310, the “Russified” version of the Russian single-aisle jet, has completed ground certification tests for its integrated control system and landing gear at the Irkutsk facility.
The trials were conducted by specialists from TsAGI with support from Yakovlev and are part of the steps required for the aircraft to obtain Russian type certification.
The -310 variant was developed after Western sanctions restricted access to imported parts, forcing the program to replace critical components with locally produced alternatives.
The aircraft is powered by PD-14 turbofan engines and also features Russian-made avionics, pressurization and climate systems, and a domestic auxiliary power unit. Some items, such as actuators and brakes, are still sourced abroad.
Prototype aircraft 73055, converted to the new configuration, has already logged more than 70 flight hours across nearly 20 sorties. The certification campaign is expected to continue through 2026, when the MC-21-310 could receive approval for commercial service.
Launch customer Aeroflot expects to take delivery of 108 jets by 2030, with plans to expand its MC-21 fleet to 200 aircraft by 2033. However, industry observers note that the program continues to face hurdles, particularly after the forced replacement of Western technologies with domestic alternatives, which could impact performance and development timelines.
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