Irkut announced today that the second composite wing panel for MC-21 airliner manufactured by AeroComposite (a UAC member) was delivered to the plant of Irkut Corporation (also part of UAC). The image below is of the first wing panel delivered in January.
Currently the Irkutsk aviation plant is occupied with connection of the first wing panel with the fuselage and installation of aircraft systems. The AeroComposite-Ulyanovsk production site performs assembly of the composite wing box for strength and static tests in TsAGI (Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute), as well as manufacturing of composite panels for MC-21 static tests.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to actively market to Iran. Perennial aircraft salesman, Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, has to be commended for his efforts. Offering Iran a role in producing components is exactly what the Iranians want to hear. This serves to make the MC-21 even more attractive. Russia is offering the Iranians two effective aircraft in the SSJ and MC-21. The cancellation of the VLM order for SSJs adds to pressure for an alternative customer. There is little doubt Russia offers an excellent alternative.
But Iran doesn’t need to buy from Russia quite as much as it does from western OEMs. Tying up western OEMs is crucial not only for the equipment, but the access to export funding. Russia will not impose sanctions on Iran. So we expect Iran to first complete its business tying up western capital and equipment. The it is likely to move on the SSJ and later the MC-21.
