OREANDA-NEWS. April 02, 2010. IRKUT Corporation has concluded the first contract with the system supplier for МС-21 aircraft family.

The contract was signed with Pratt&Whitney company (USA) which is the subdivision of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX). In 2009 Pratt&Whitney won the tender and has been chosen as a developer and supplier of propulsion system PW1400G for MC-21 series. "United engine corporation" (Russia) is supposed to take part in the development and manufacture of a perspective GTF PW1400G engine.

MC-21 Program is intended for the creation of short and medium range aircraft family with high operational capability and destined for Russian and international markets of civil aircraft. 

IRKUT Corporation is the head executor of the program. The program of creation of a family of short and medium range passenger aircraft is included in the Federal target program of development of civil aviation.

Technologically МC-21 will surpass the level of existing planes. Introduction of high technologies will provide 25 percent fuel saving, 15 percent decrease of operation costs and also a new level of ecological safety.
The first flight of MC-21 is scheduled for 2014. Russian certification is planned to be finished in 2015, international certification – in 2016.