Russia is renowned for its advancements in defense research and development. However, due to ongoing conflicts with Ukraine, many Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia, restricting the supply of aerospace parts and components. Despite these sanctions, Russia has persisted in building numerous aircraft from scratch, displaying resilience in the face of adversity.

In this article, we will explore seven commercial aircraft designed by Russian companies to cater to passenger needs. These aircraft are gradually gaining prominence in the Russian region, potentially replacing Western counterparts. Russian manufacturers have successfully developed the necessary engines for these airplanes, with some components being produced domestically and others imported from China.

MC 21

The Irkut MC-21 is a single-aisle airliner designed and built in Russia. This was previously at the certification stage and was developed in collaboration with Western aerospace countries It currently uses a Pratt & Whitney engine, although Russia may soon replace it with a locally made Aviadvigatel PD-14 engine.

The MC-21 moniker originated from Russia and means “major plane of the twenty-first century,” and it is intended to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families. Initially, it was believed that the MC-21 would use 38 percent domestic components, but due to international sanctions, the Russian government wants the percentage to be 97 percent by 2022-2024, making it independent of imported components.

It can accommodate between 165 and 211 passengers in a single class configuration and boasts a range of up to 6,400 kilometers (3,500 nautical miles).

TU 214

The Tupolev Tu-214 is a single-aisle twin-engine long-range aircraft with a streamlined aerodynamic design and sophisticated integrated flight control and navigation technology. Tupolev was formed on October 22, 1922, and has its headquarters in Russia. It has designed over 100 civilian and military aircraft models and manufactured over 18,000 aircraft for Russia, the Soviet Union, and the Eastern Bloc. The Tu-214C3, or 214 combi passenger-cargo convertible, is designed to transport both goods and passengers. The Tu-214 has capacity to transport up to 210 passengers over a distance of 5,650 kilometers.

Tu-204

The Tupolev Tu-204 stands as a medium-range narrowbody twinjet, marking a significant milestone as the first Russian airliner to integrate western engines. Tupolev embarked on the Tu-204’s development in response to Aeroflot’s call for a successor to the medium-range Tu-154 trijet. This innovative twin-engine aircraft boasted a supercritical wing design, with the PS-90 turbofan engine crafted by Soloviev (now Aviadvigatel) expressly for this purpose.

Noteworthy features of the Tu-204 encompassed fly-by-wire technology and a cutting-edge six-screen EFIS flight deck. Tupolev’s aspiration to introduce a westernized iteration of the Tu-204 underscored its commitment to expanding the aircraft’s market reach.

The Tu-204 boasts a capacious and cozy cabin, offering ample space for passengers. With its generous layout, the cabin can comfortably accommodate up to 210 passengers in a single-class configuration. Additionally, the aircraft possesses an impressive range of 4,600 kilometers (2,500 nautical miles), ensuring efficient travel over considerable distances.

IL 114

The Ilyushin Il-114 is a twin-engine turboprop airliner developed in Russia for local routes. It was designed as a replacement for the Antonov An-24 and made its first flight in 1990. A total of 20 Il-114s were initially constructed.

The Il-114-300 is an upgraded version of the Il-114, initially developed from 1986 to 1990 to enhance regional connectivity. It is set to replace the outdated Antonov An-24 on domestic flights within Russia. Following a plan announced in June 2022, aimed at increasing the proportion of domestically produced aircraft to 80% of the Russian fleet by the end of the decade due to international sanctions after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, around 70 Il-114-300s are anticipated to be manufactured by the decade’s end.

The IL-114-300 serves as a regional passenger aircraft boasting a maximum capacity of 68 seats. It offers ferry ranges 4,800 kilometers, catering to various distances and routes with efficiency and flexibility.

New SJ 100

Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, a Russian aircraft manufacturer, developed the regional jet Sukhoi Superjet 100. It is designed to compete with the CRJ and E jet programmes from Bombardier and Embraer, respectively. Russia manufactures its airlines, which normally seat 100 passengers and reach top speeds of Mach 0.5. By 2019, the priority had shifted to the replacement of Western parts on the SSJ100 so that the aircraft can be sold to US-sanctioned countries such as Iran.

Wide body aircraft

Ilyushin IL 96

The Ilyushin Il-96-400, a flagship of Russian aerospace innovation, showcases the country’s excellence in crafting long-range, wide-body passenger aircraft. Developed by the esteemed Ilyushin Design Bureau, the Il-96-400 stands as an extended variant within the esteemed Il-96 family.

Combining the rich legacy of the Il-96 lineage, the IL-96-400M represents a pinnacle of Russian aviation prowess. In a domain where many Western manufacturers dominate, this aircraft excels, offering unparalleled performance across vast distances and over expansive oceanic expanses. Propelled by the formidable PS-90A1 engines, the IL-96-400 boasts enhanced power and efficiency, marking a significant advancement over its predecessors.

With the capability to carry up to 402 passengers, the IL-96-400M, in development since February 2017, challenges industry giants like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 in Russia.

Small Commercial aircraft

UZGA LMS-901 Baikal

Russia has unveiled a new aircraft currently undergoing testing, designed to accommodate 9-12 passengers. This plane aims to cater to areas with lower demand and rugged terrain. Originally equipped with an American GE engine, Russia is now transitioning to a domestically produced engine.

Compared to the An-2, this aircraft is smaller and nearly half its weight, projected to cost under $1.6 million. The total project expenditure is estimated at $62.41 million, with operating costs substantially lower at $416.06 per flying hour.

With a target speed of 300 km/h, starting from a landing speed of 95 km/h, it boasts a range of 3,000 km. Optional electric motors offer backup redundancy. Its versatility extends to flying a 800 nautical-mile (1,500 km) range with a payload of 2 tons from short, unpaved airstrips.

Orders for this aircraft have already been secured from Russia’s Aurora, with 105 units of the LMS-901 Baikal ordered. As testing progresses, more airlines are expected to follow suit with additional orders.