A Rocky Flight for Il-96-400M With Under Powered Twin Engines and Competition from MC-21

Russia's domestic aviation sector is facing a significant challenge in the development of a competitive wide-body passenger jet. The United Aviation Corporation (UAC) has launched multiple initiatives to revitalize the industry, including plans to develop versions of the Il-96 series. The Il-96-400M, a wide-body aircraft designed to replace aging foreign jets, has been a centerpiece of these efforts. Despite its first flight in November 2023, the aircraft has faced numerous obstacles that have hindered its progress. Key challenges include: High costs: The Il-96-400M's price has increased significantly, exceeding initial estimates and making it less economically viable compared to Western competitors like Airbus and Boeing. Technical issues: The aircraft's four-engine layout and reliance on domestically produced components have contributed to its increased cost and potential performance limitations. Engine development delays: The development of the PD-35 engine, intended for the Il-96-400M, has been plagued by setbacks, further delaying its production timeline. Lack of airline interest: Major Russian airlines, such as Aeroflot, have expressed concerns about the Il-96-400M's economic efficiency and have declined to purchase the aircraft. Despite these challenges, UAC and Rostec, the state-owned corporation overseeing the project, have continued to pursue the development of the Il-96-400M. Plans include transitioning to a twin-engine configuration and exploring other potential markets for the aircraft. The future of the Il-96-400M remains uncertain. The success of this project will depend on overcoming the significant hurdles it currently faces and demonstrating its competitiveness in the global aviation market. Be a Member for exclusive privileges - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCviEFTf1xIPKsjmyF_zvFug/join