This picture was just released from Russia. It shows the new wing part being delivered. What we find more interesting is the aircraft in the background. It appears the fuselage is largely complete. Although the image quality appears deliberately degraded, there is enough to see the project has made progress. First flight is still planned by year end. The empennage was sent to the UK for bird strike testing early last year.
The progress has been painfully slow. But then UAC has had a tough time with resources. Their attempts at selling the SSJ have not been as successful as they hoped. This has crimped funding. The state support is not enough to accelerate the MC-21 project any faster it seems.
Co-Founder AirInsight. My previous life includes stints at Shell South Africa, CIC Research, and PA Consulting. Got bitten by the aviation bug and ended up an Avgeek. Then the data bug got me, making me a curious Avgeek seeking data-driven logic. Also, I appreciate conversations with smart people from whom I learn so much. Summary: I am very fortunate to work with and converse with great people.
