Flight with equivalent of full payload intended to simulate real-life conditions for initial delivery configuration.
Russia’s Yakovlev MC-21-310 has demonstrated a range of 2,050nm (3,800km), during a series of test flights with payload equating to a full passenger complement.
The twinjet, powered by Aviadvigatel PD-14 engines, is still undergoing its certification programme.
Propulsion specialist United Engine states that a long-range flight — following a profile that “closely simulated real-life operating conditions” — was carried out to demonstrate key performance characteristics.
MC-21 chief designer Vitaly Naryshkin says the aircraft recorded the range with the equivalent of 175 passengers on board.
Airbus lists the range for its similar-sized A320neo at around 3,400nm.
Yakovlev flight-test director Roman Taskaev says the systems functioned normally.
“The specified fuel balance — including the aeronautical reserve and all standardised fuel allowances for diversion to an alternate airfield — was maintained,” he adds.
Yakovlev conducted take-off tests with simulated single-engine failure, showing that the take-off roll and rate of climb were within design limits.
“For a twin-enginee aircraft, this is the most critical parameter,” says civil aircraft flight-test department head Pavel Sokut.
Yakovlev engineering centre’s first deputy managing director, Anatoly Gaidansky, says the tested configuration corresponds to the two-class 175-seat layout agreed with the customer for the first batch of MC-21-310s.
“We are ready to confirm these results during the aircraft’s upcoming certification tests,” he adds.
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