**Russia’s First Mass-Produced MC-21 Aircraft Completes Maiden Flight**
The first mass-produced MC-21-310 aircraft, developed entirely with Russian components, has successfully completed its maiden flight, according to the state-run Joint Aviation Corporation (OAK). This significant milestone in Russia's aviation industry took place at the testing airfield of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant.
The MC-21 project began in 2017, initially featuring the MC-21-300 model, which was powered by Pratt & Whitney engines sourced from the United States. However, the imposition of extensive Western sanctions on Russia's aviation sector following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022 posed challenges to the project. In response, Russian authorities accelerated efforts to create a fully domestically produced variant of the aircraft.
The MC-21-310 is powered by the PD-14 engine, which represents the first next-generation turbofan engine developed in modern Russia. This engine was introduced last year and is part of the shift towards self-sufficiency in the aviation industry.
During the maiden flight, which lasted for an hour and a half, the aircraft reached an altitude of 6,000 meters and speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour. Footage from the flight shows the MC-21-310 being accompanied by a Yak-130 jet trainer, whose crew documented the event.
OAK CEO Vadim Badekha announced that the Irkutsk Aviation Plant is prepared to manufacture an initial batch of 18 MC-21 aircraft and is set to commence work on subsequent orders. The first delivery is anticipated to be made to Aeroflot, Russia's flagship airline.
In a recent visit to the Irkutsk plant, Russian President Vladimir Putin inspected the new airliner as it was being prepared for its inaugural flight. Andrey Soynov, the CEO of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, indicated that the facility aims to enhance its production capabilities to manufacture at least 36 MC-21 aircraft annually.
The successful maiden flight of the MC-21-310 marks a pivotal moment for Russia's aviation industry, showcasing its commitment to developing indigenous technology in the face of international sanctions. As the country seeks to bolster its domestic production capabilities, the MC-21 is expected to play a crucial role in the future of Russian civil aviation.