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http://www.afm.aero/news/talking-point/item/2017-russia-s-ms-21-marks-its-plan-for-independence
Written by Mary-Anne Baldwin Monday, 17 November 2014 10:18
Russia plans to increase its independence in aviation with the MS-21
Russia is increasing its stakes in the aviation industry with an intention to rival Western aircraft manufacturers and end its dependence on Western lessors and parts suppliers.
The first step is to produce its own aircraft in addition to the Sukhoi Superjet. The prototype of Russia's MS-21 aircraft (also known as the MC-21) will be manufactured before the end of 2015, says Russia's Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov.
The first test flight of the 150 to 210 seat 5,500km-range aircraft will take place in the first half of 2016 and mass-manufacture will begin in 2017.
"The entire programme for the MS-21 is being carried out on schedule. In late May, we will complete the assembly of the manufacturing line. This gives us confidence that the first flight model of the aircraft will be ready next year," says Manturov.
Aviation is at the forefront of Russia's ambitious plans and Manturov explains that the MS-21 "is one of the highest priorities in the field of aviation." But not only does Russia want its own planes, it wants them entirely home-grown.
The MS-21's manufacturer, Irkut, is using parts made by Russian manufacturers. Indeed, when the aircraft reaches mass-production 60 per cent of its components will be Russian. For example, the state corporation, Rostec, plans to supply up to 80 per cent of the avionics for the MS-21.
"We actively replace the imported materials and aircraft systems with the domestic equivalents," Manturov explains.
Russia is also developing advanced aircraft systems and the PD-14 engine – which, built by United Engine Corporation UEC, is suitable for short- and medium-haul aircraft carrying 130 to 180 passengers.
Speaking about the engine, the Ministry of Industry and Trade for the Russian Federation was confident of its ability to rival the West, asserting that "this development significantly surpasses the best contemporary Russian counterparts and [is] able to compete with prospective foreign aircraft engines".
The Minister claimed that: "Interest in the purchase of these aircraft is high. The price advantage, including after the rouble weakening, has risen."
Irkut has already signed 175 prepaid contracts for aircraft, which are scheduled for certification and first deliveries in 2018.
India is one market to have shown interest in the MS-21, yet a deal between the two countries is likely to stretch much further.
Moscow was India's largest supplier of defence equipment, however, it has been usurped by the US in recent years. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitry Rogozin, flew to India to discuss reversing that change and to form wider partnerships. If Russia can't meet all of its aviation needs at home, it plans to do so with non-Western countries.
Russia has offered India a raft of joint manufacturing plans in the hopes of becoming an integral part of its 'Make in India' programme of domestic manufacturing. The prospects include the joint manufacture of Russia's KA 226 helicopter, components for its GLONASS satellite navigation systems, and a multi-billion dollar project to promote nano technology.
The two countries have also discussed hopes to jointly produce the Sukhoi Superjet-100 in India (indeed, Russia has already forged ties with India having sold Sukhoi fighter jets to the Indian Air Force) and there is a possibility that the MS-21 could move to an Indian manufacturing plant once it's into its mass-production phase in, or after, 2017.
It's clear that Russia wants self-sufficiency but knowing it must partner, prefers that it not be with the West. It's a strategically sound move to make allies with developing nations such as India, and one wonders what deals Russia may form with China. Either way, it seems that the West will have to work harder if it wants to retain any business with Russia at all.
Written by Mary-Anne Baldwin Monday, 17 November 2014 10:18
Russia plans to increase its independence in aviation with the MS-21
Russia is increasing its stakes in the aviation industry with an intention to rival Western aircraft manufacturers and end its dependence on Western lessors and parts suppliers.
The first step is to produce its own aircraft in addition to the Sukhoi Superjet. The prototype of Russia's MS-21 aircraft (also known as the MC-21) will be manufactured before the end of 2015, says Russia's Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov.
The first test flight of the 150 to 210 seat 5,500km-range aircraft will take place in the first half of 2016 and mass-manufacture will begin in 2017.
"The entire programme for the MS-21 is being carried out on schedule. In late May, we will complete the assembly of the manufacturing line. This gives us confidence that the first flight model of the aircraft will be ready next year," says Manturov.
Aviation is at the forefront of Russia's ambitious plans and Manturov explains that the MS-21 "is one of the highest priorities in the field of aviation." But not only does Russia want its own planes, it wants them entirely home-grown.
The MS-21's manufacturer, Irkut, is using parts made by Russian manufacturers. Indeed, when the aircraft reaches mass-production 60 per cent of its components will be Russian. For example, the state corporation, Rostec, plans to supply up to 80 per cent of the avionics for the MS-21.
"We actively replace the imported materials and aircraft systems with the domestic equivalents," Manturov explains.
Russia is also developing advanced aircraft systems and the PD-14 engine – which, built by United Engine Corporation UEC, is suitable for short- and medium-haul aircraft carrying 130 to 180 passengers.
Speaking about the engine, the Ministry of Industry and Trade for the Russian Federation was confident of its ability to rival the West, asserting that "this development significantly surpasses the best contemporary Russian counterparts and [is] able to compete with prospective foreign aircraft engines".
The Minister claimed that: "Interest in the purchase of these aircraft is high. The price advantage, including after the rouble weakening, has risen."
Irkut has already signed 175 prepaid contracts for aircraft, which are scheduled for certification and first deliveries in 2018.
India is one market to have shown interest in the MS-21, yet a deal between the two countries is likely to stretch much further.
Moscow was India's largest supplier of defence equipment, however, it has been usurped by the US in recent years. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitry Rogozin, flew to India to discuss reversing that change and to form wider partnerships. If Russia can't meet all of its aviation needs at home, it plans to do so with non-Western countries.
Russia has offered India a raft of joint manufacturing plans in the hopes of becoming an integral part of its 'Make in India' programme of domestic manufacturing. The prospects include the joint manufacture of Russia's KA 226 helicopter, components for its GLONASS satellite navigation systems, and a multi-billion dollar project to promote nano technology.
The two countries have also discussed hopes to jointly produce the Sukhoi Superjet-100 in India (indeed, Russia has already forged ties with India having sold Sukhoi fighter jets to the Indian Air Force) and there is a possibility that the MS-21 could move to an Indian manufacturing plant once it's into its mass-production phase in, or after, 2017.
It's clear that Russia wants self-sufficiency but knowing it must partner, prefers that it not be with the West. It's a strategically sound move to make allies with developing nations such as India, and one wonders what deals Russia may form with China. Either way, it seems that the West will have to work harder if it wants to retain any business with Russia at all.
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