As part of ongoing factory flight refinement trials, the experimental MS-21-310 aircraft with tail number 73055 successfully completed a test flight along established air routes on the Moscow–Syktyvkar–Moscow route. This was a significant milestone in the testing of the next-generation Russian airliner.
The primary objective of the tests
The primary objective of the flight was to conduct a thorough assessment of domestically manufactured systems, such as the inertial navigation systems, the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), the weather radar, onboard avionics, and communication equipment. Another significant area of emphasis was the testing of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and the interaction with air traffic control (ATC) in controlled airspace under standard operating procedures.
Information Regarding the Crew
A crew of highly experienced individuals, including First-Class Test Pilot of PJSC “Yakovlev” and Hero of Russia Oleg Mutovin, and the company’s Director of Flight Testing, Honored Test Pilot of the Russian Federation and Hero of Russia Roman Taskaev, conducted the flight. A representative of the Gromov Flight Research Institute (LII) provided this information.
Flight Route and Procedure
The aircraft followed a standard instrument departure (SID), a pre-approved and published route out of the airport that includes altitude restrictions and ascent paths. The purpose of SID procedures is to optimize the flow of air traffic, reduce community noise, and ensure the secure ascent of aircraft over obstacles.
The crew maintained continuous coordination with air traffic controllers to ensure proper separation and flight safety by precisely following assigned airways using onboard navigation systems.
The flight in the Syktyvkar region consisted of a descent phase and entry into a holding pattern, followed by two instrument landing approaches (ILS) with missed approaches. The purpose of this procedure was to assess the system’s accuracy in onboard navigation and landing guidance.
The return leg to Ramenskoye was also conducted along regulated airways, in accordance with the IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) environment, which was coordinated by air traffic control.
Radar and Weather Testing
The crew received SIGMET warnings regarding severe thunderstorm activity during the return to the Moscow airspace. The radar’s integration and efficacy under operational conditions were demonstrated by the pilots’ successful detection and avoidance of storm cells using the Russian-made onboard weather radar.
Significance of the Test Flight and Technological Features
The objective of these trial flights is to confirm the aircraft’s safety and reliability in actual operating conditions, thereby guaranteeing that the systems operate as intended in genuine air traffic scenarios that are regulated by ICAO international standards.
These flights evaluate the integration of automatic flight systems, navigation and communication apparatus, and collision avoidance systems.
Additionally, they assess the aircraft’s compatibility with civilian air traffic control systems under standard operating conditions.
By conducting these tests, an objective evaluation of aircraft performance and the repeatability of results are guaranteed, which are essential criteria for type certification and the aircraft’s eventual entry into commercial operation.
Regarding Import Substitution and MC-21-310
The MS-21-310 is a medium-range commercial aircraft of the latest iteration that is designed to compete with the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families. It is equipped with PD-14 engines that are manufactured domestically and can accommodate up to 211 passengers.
One of its most distinctive characteristics is the substantial utilization of composite materials (approximately 40%), which enhances fuel efficiency and reduces the weight of the aircraft.
The MS-21 is being gradually outfitted with an increasing number of Russian-made systems and components, such as avionics, environmental control systems, electrical systems, and landing gear, as part of Russia’s import substitution initiatives.
Foreign-origin components are being reduced and will be entirely supplanted with domestic alternatives in serial production models.
Future Plans and Current Program Phase
The MS-21-310 is expected to commence full-scale serial production in 2026. Until then, a comprehensive series of flight and certification tests is being conducted at numerous Russian airfields in a variety of weather conditions.
Flight tests for a version of the aircraft that is entirely import-substituted commenced in June 2025.
In order to facilitate the expansion of type certificates, further research and development and design enhancements are currently underway.
In conclusion, the Moscow–Syktyvkar–Moscow voyage of the experimental MS-21-310 was a critical testing phase that enabled engineers and pilots to verify the performance and reliability of Russian-made aviation systems in real-world scenarios. This is a contribution to the broader certification process and bolsters Russia’s aviation industry’s endeavor to achieve full operational capability and technological independence for the MS-21 program.
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