Aviation

MC-21 Aircraft to Feature Shortened Version for Regional Flights

Russia is set to introduce a new variant of the MC-21 aircraft designed for shorter regional routes and lower passenger capacities. This version aims to address the demand for smaller, more efficient regional flights.

According to Denis Manturov, Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister, the MC-21, which is yet to enter service, may receive a shortened version in addition to the basic model.

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Due to Western sanctions, Russia has faced challenges in receiving service or parts for Western-built aircraft. While it has managed to operate these planes using locally manufactured parts, this is only a temporary solution. The country’s aviation industry, backed by its long-standing technological expertise, has worked to adapt and manage independently.

The MC-21, initially developed with Western collaboration, is now utilizing entirely domestic materials. Recent tests have shown promising results for this aircraft.

In an interview with Vedomosti, Manturov explained, “As we develop Russian analogues of our aircraft systems and avionics, we must also adapt the aircraft design accordingly. A shortened version of the fuselage by one section could be a viable solution.”

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This adaptation would allow airlines to operate the aircraft more efficiently, considering its weight characteristics while maintaining the original flight range with a capacity of 140-150 passengers.

He also noted that in 2022, the cessation of collaboration with foreign suppliers led to the replacement of 36 aircraft systems for the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), which is part of Rostec and the manufacturer of the MC-21.

The MC-21 is a next-generation, narrow-body airliner developed by Irkut Corporation, a subsidiary of UAC. It is designed to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, featuring advanced aerodynamics, new wing designs, and cutting-edge materials to enhance fuel efficiency and performance.

The aircraft is available in two variants: the MC-21-200, with a capacity of 150 to 210 seats, and the MC-21-300, with 180 to 250 seats. It also boasts advanced avionics and an innovative cabin design to improve passenger comfort, reflecting Russia’s effort to strengthen its domestic aviation industry and reduce reliance on foreign aircraft.

Aviation

Did you know ? Once Boeing 747 carried 1088 passenger in 1991

In 1991, during Operation Solomon, Israel aimed to airlift 14,000 people from Ethiopia within 36 hours. The effort was intense, with a strong focus on evacuating as many individuals as possible from the country.

At the forefront of this operation was the Boeing 747, known as the “Queen of the Skies,” which transported nearly 1,088 passengers.

Due to the urgent circumstances, all passengers were seated on the aircraft floor, despite the Boeing’s typical maximum capacity being around 660 passengers as per manufacturer specifications.

The aircraft was granted special approval to take off under these exceptional conditions.

Amid political tensions and military reforms in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian government requested the Jewish community to leave the country, providing them with a limited window for evacuation. In response, the community organized an airlift to facilitate their safe departure.

A fleet of 35 Israeli aircraft, including C-130s from the Israeli Air Force and El Al Boeing 747s, was deployed for the mission. These aircraft flew non-stop, successfully transporting most of the Ethiopian Jewish community to Israel in one of the largest airlift operations in history.