«Flidht International» September 9-15,2008
MS-21 design reaches critical phase
Decision time nears for basic configuration of Russia's next-generation narrowbody ahead of call for tenders on systems
Yakovlev, project leader for Russia's MS-21 next-generation narrowbody programme, Will issue a call for tenders for the aircraft's systems in October, as critical decisions about the twin-jet's basic design and configuration approach.
The MS-21, which is being developed under the United Aircraft (OAK) umbrella, is managed by Andrei Matveyev, who says that tenders for systems will open in October. However, the design effort is running a month behind schedule. It was due to have reached the "Gate 2" freeze of external dimensions and vital technical characteristics in August.
The aircraft's development schedule is operating to the Boeing-derived eight-gate system, with Gate 2 a critical point in the definition as it marks the point where the number and size of the family members are finalised, and specifications set for the major systems.
Matveyev will not reveal any preliminary MS-21 data, citing the need to keep a "high secrecy regime" due to the tough competition that exists between Yakovlev and its Western rivals Airbus and Boeing as they "all shape their next-generation narrow-body". Yakovlev has revealed only basic data for a planned three-model family that comprises 150,180 and 210 seaters.
However, sources close to the programme indicate that as the definition freeze nears, fundamentally different configurations are still being examined, with a 4m (13.l ft)-wide fuselage configured with the standard single-aisle six-abreast layout being weighed against a wider, 4.2m-diameter fuselage incorporating a twin-aisle, two-two-two seating arrangement.
A key element of the MS-21 is the engine, says OAK vice-president for MS-21 and NPK Irkut president Oleg Demchenko, who expects Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney to go head-to-head in the soon-to-be-launched tender. R-R is likely to pitch its open rotor design against a version of P&W's PW1000G geared turbofan. An R-R source told Flight International the firm is considering MS-21 participation, and that it can certificate its engine before the MS-21 is due to enter service in early 2015.
Local engine manufacturers are offering two solutions. The SPM-21 is a joint offer from MMPP Salyut and Ukraine's ZMKB Ivchenko-Progress a fid Motor-Sich. The engine is based on technologies developed for the Antonov An-70's D-27 propfan.
Perm is proposing its PS-12 next-generation turbofan which is a classic design, except for the highest 40,000lb-thrust (178kN) version that features a geared fan.
In July the Russian government and Yakovlev signed an agreement for Rb70 billion ($2.8 billion) to fund MS-21 research and development under a non-refundable allocation.
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