Irkut MC-21-300 test fleet increased to four ..

A fourth aircraft has joined Irkut’s MC-21-300 test fleet having completed its maiden flight on December 25. The MC-21 is viewed as a competitor to the Airbus A320 and Boeing’s 737 series.

United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) stated in a press release that the flight took one hour and 40 minutes, with the fourth aircraft achieving an altitude of 9,800ft (3,000m) and a speed of 269kts (500 km/h). All pre-planned tasks were completed and the flight encountered no issues according to UAC.

The Irkut MC-21 is planned to be produced in a number of versions, with the largest being able to carry up to 211 passengers. It has a maximum range of 3,666 miles (5,900km) in a typical two-class arrangement for 163 passengers. The first four test airframes are powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1400G-JM engines, while a fifth airframe, still under construction will be equipped with the Russian made Aviadvigatel PD-14.

UAC anticipates the MC-21-300 will enter service in 2022 with the Russian airline Aeroflot.