The prototype MC-21-300 left the FAL April 28. It is now thought that the first flight will occur by the end of May.
The prototype MC-21 has started its taxi tests. According to Irkut these tests will be conducted at the flight test section of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (which is part of Irkut). Preparation for the first flight is on schedule the corporation says. Ground tests include testing of systems, engines, an auxiliary power plant. This is the final of the five aircraft programs to utilize the Pratt & Whitney GTF.
This is the final of the five aircraft programs to utilize the Pratt & Whitney GTF. We understand from P&W that all its new engines are being modified based on their “learning” from the engines in service. P&W advises: “The current PW1400G test engines incorporate some (not all) of the retrofit improvements. It is fair to say that the lessons learned from the PW1100 line will be incorporated into the PW1400 production.”
