JSC «Scientific-production Corporation «Irkut» has announced tenders for developing and supplying various systems for the new family of MC-21 short/mid-range passenger airliners.

Leading Russian and international companies that specialize in producing engines, avionics, aeronautical equipment and systems were forwarded the requests for technical and commercial proposals.

The tenders will tentatively be summed up by end of 2009 when MC-21 program is scheduled to pass Gate 3.

At the moment the participants in the MC-21 development program are Irkut Corporation, Yakovlev Design Bureau, Beriev Aircraft Company and design bureau of Irkutsk Aviation Plant. The composite wing is to be designed by Sukhoi Company.

Irkut President Oleg Demchenko commented, "The works on MC-21 program are carried out strictly as planned. MC-21 program is stably financed as per the Federal Task Program of civil aircraft development. In its turn Irkut intensifies works in aircraft development and preparing production facilities at Irkutsk Aviation Plant. Successfully passing Gate 2 and announcing these tenders we have fulfilled the main tasks of 2008."

Demchenko also highlighted that in the course of negotiations the leading Russian and foreign companies had shown great interest in participating in MC-21 program.

Program of developing the MC-21 passenger aircraft family is the key perspective product of JSC «United Aircraft Corporation». The family includes three airliners: MC-21-200 (150 seats), MC-21-300 (180 seats), and MC-21-400 (210 seats). As for its technical level the MC-21 shall considerably surpass existing aircraft. Implementation of cutting-edge technologies will ensure improvement of fuel efficiency, by 25%, reduction of cash operating cost by 15% along with the new level of environmental safety. The MC-21 maiden flight is scheduled for 2014. The MC-21 certification as per the Russian standards is planned for 2015, and this aircraft will obtain the international certificate in 2016.