Irkut completed static testing of the MC-21, with which Russia hopes to compete with Western Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo. During the latest test cycle, the aircraft’s static strength characteristics were validated.
The tests were conducted by the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI). A series of static strength studies were carried out on the airframe of the aircraft, during which it was subjected to loads significantly exceeding the operational loads to check the design parameters.
As part of these tests, various load levels were implemented: first within the operational environment, then to the maximum design level, and finally to the destruction of the airframe. This was intended to determine the maximum load capacity of the structure. According to Irkut, the results confirmed all the design’s parameters.
The case of an emergency landing was also analyzed -always on the ground. The tests were carried out with a wing box made of Russian composite materials. During an emergency landing, the controlled destruction of the main landing gear and its separation from the wing box is foreseen to avoid the danger of fuel leakage. During testing, it was demonstrated that when maximum loads are exceeded, the landing gear separates cleanly and safely from the aircraft.
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Vladimir Artyakov, first deputy general director of Rostec State Corporation (Irkut’s parent company) noted that “safety in the industry is always the main thing. That is why every stage of testing is critical. During static tests, the aircraft design withstood high loads, far exceeding the operational ones, which confirms its reliability. It plans to produce around 270 aircraft of this type by 2030, carrying millions of passengers each year. Series production of the aircraft is scheduled for 2024,” the executive said. Andrey Boginsky, CEO of Irkut, added: “When designing the MC-21, special attention was paid to safety. The joint work of Irkut specialists and TsAGI scientists made it possible to verify the strength calculation methods.”
“This year we completed a large cycle of endurance studies of the MC-21 to ensure its safe operation,” Mikhail Zichenkov, head of TsAGI’s aircraft strength center, stated for his part. “In all cases, the aircraft withstood loads above the design level, which confirms the high level of structural reliability,” he said.
The MC-21 is a new-generation medium-haul aircraft, with a capacity of 163 to 211 passengers. Among its innovations, it has a longer wing span and is made of composite materials, something unusual in the segment. In addition, the Aviadvigatel PD-14 engines (of domestic origin) that will power the MC-21 compete in fuel consumption, noise levels, and emissions of harmful substances with western mechanics of the same category.
