Irkut started the second phase of the MC-21-300 in-plant development test programme on 13^th September with an incident-free flight lasting around two hours.

The twin-engine narrowbody aircraft has undergone a number of modifications, including installation of strain gauges measure loads and software modifications based on the results of the first phase of flight testing.

Irkut says that the main goal of upcoming tests is to extend the range of flights with a particular focus on mass, centering, speed and altitude.

The aircraft — which is designed to accommodate 160-180 passengers in two classes, or up to 211 in high-density single-class configuration — was officially rolled out in June 2016 and made its first flight in May.

Western equipment suppliers present on the aircraft include Pratt & Whitney (PW1000G engines), Hamilton Sundstrand, Rockwell Collins, Goodrich and Zodiac Aerospace. Notable features include composite wings and fly-by-wire flight controls.

The aircraft will also be offered with the Russian PD-14 engine, the first new civil turbofan engine to be built in Russia since the Soviet era.

Irkut reports firm orders for 175 MC-21 aircraft.