Russia’s “import-substituted” MC-21 airliner makes first flight, but serial production hinges on parts makers, expert says
The import-substituted serial version of Russia’s MC-21-310 passenger airliner made its first flight from the airfield of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, spending 1 hour and 23 minutes in the air, the Russian state corporation Rostec announced on Telegram on Aug. 3. “Import-substituted” is the Russian term for replacing foreign-made parts and systems with domestic alternatives, a policy Moscow has…
Russia's domestically-produced MC-21-310 passenger airliner completed its first flight from Irkutsk Aviation Plant's airfield on August 3, according to state corporation Rostec. The import-substituted aircraft, which replaces foreign-made parts with domestic alternatives, reached an altitude of 6,000 meters and an indicated airspeed of 600 kph.
The crew assessed stability, controllability, and the operation of Russian-made onboard systems during the 1 hour and 23-minute flight. The Irkutsk Aviation Plant aims to produce 18 planes in the first batch, with a plan to deliver the first aircraft to customers once certification is achieved. Aviation expert Andrei Menshenin noted that while the first flight marks an important milestone, serial production still needs to confirm production stability, complete remaining certification procedures, and transfer the first aircraft to customers.
The main risk lies in ensuring stable production and completing the import substitution program, as many foreign systems and components have been replaced with Russian equivalents due to Western sanctions.
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