MC-21-300 successfully achieves water operation tests

Irkut Corporation ran an evaluation of the MC-21-300 prototype behavior over water. The aircraft proved safe to operate on a wet runway.

During the period from 16 to 22 July 2020, the MC-21-300 aircraft performed 29 runs and 3 taxing on water at speeds from 10 to 150 knots (1 knot = 1.852 km/hour) at various configurations of mechanization and power plant modes, including the use of engines thrust reversal. 

The tests were carried out on the Ulyanovsk Baratayevka Airport (ULV), where a "pool" of more than 70 m long and more than 20 m wide was arranged. Parameters of the "pool" provided a normalized water depth in accordance with Russian and international requirements, which are established for these types of tests.

In the process of testing the possibility of safe movement on a wet runway in a wide range of speeds without any failure of marching and auxiliary power plants, as well as other systems and equipment of the aircraft were confirmed. 

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In addition, the tests found that the MC-21-300 aircraft is steadily moving and retains control on the runway covered with water. 

The course of testing was recorded by a complex of onboard measurements of the aircraft and a system of video cameras installed on the ground and on the aircraft.

The tests were conducted as part of the MC-21-300 aircraft certification program with the participation of representatives of authorized certification centers.

The Irkut MC-21 is Russia’s answer to the A320neo and the Boeing 737 MAX. It is expected to have a range of 5,900 kilometers, slightly less than the maximum range of the Airbus counterpart (6,300 kilometers) and the Boeing 737 MAX-8 (6,570 kilometers). 

Initially powered by  Pratt & Whitney PW1400G-JM engines, the airline is expected to also have an option for Aviadvigatel PD-14 in the future. The Russian-made engines are expected to join the certification program with the fifth test frame that was completed in December 2019. 

The aircraft will be offered in two configurations: in a regular two-class layout with 163 seats, and with the super-dense interior designed for 211 seats. It is expected to enter service with its launch customer Aeroflot in 2022.