The Russian medium-range passenger aircraft MC-21-310, developed by the Irkut Corporation within the framework of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), has effectively completed another critical phase of flight testing—a navigation evaluation. This flight represented a significant milestone in the aircraft’s certification program, as specialists verified positive and completely qualified outcomes.
The demonstration aircraft designated MC-21-310 (0012) conducted flights along the route from Zhukovsky to Irkutsk and return. During these missions, engineers assessed the performance of various essential onboard systems, including the inertial navigation system during operations on an open flight route, as well as the long-range high-frequency communication system. All designated objectives were achieved effectively, and the test results were formally approved.
This accomplishment signifies more than simply another test flight. It signifies measurable advancement toward securing the aircraft’s type certificate, a compulsory prerequisite for commencement of commercial passenger operations.
The Context of the MC-21 Certification Program
The Significance of Certification
The certification procedure for any new aircraft extends beyond a limited number of flights. It is a comprehensive, multi-phase program extending over multiple years and covering numerous ground and flight testing activities. Each aircraft must demonstrate full compliance to aviation safety standards, verify the reliability of all onboard systems, and affirm stable and predictable performance across a broad spectrum of operational conditions.
For the MC-21 program, certification holds particular importance due to the aircraft’s development amidst complex geopolitical circumstances and its ongoing transition to domestically manufactured systems and components. The MC-21-310 variant, in particular, is fitted with Russian-origin PD-14 engines and domestically designed avionics and subsystems, rendering the certification procedure both more intricate and of greater strategic significance.
Certification Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
In November 2025, an additional test aircraft—MC-21-310 (0013)—started another series of certification trials concentrating on stability and controllability attributes, using domestically produced flight-control actuators. These tests are conducted simultaneously with navigation trials, with each phase serving a vital function in securing comprehensive type certification.
Typically, these certification programs involve comprehensive evaluations of flight-control performance across various flight modes, assessments of aircraft stability at different speeds and configurations, verification of navigation and communication systems, safety and redundancy testing, and validation of performance under adverse weather conditions.
The certification of the entirely import-substituted MC-21-310 is presently scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The comprehensive certification campaign encompasses numerous test flights conducted across various prototype aircraft.
The Navigation Examination: Objectives and Importance
The Details of the Navigation Test
A navigation examination is a practical evaluation of an aircraft’s capacity to safely and precisely navigate real-world flight paths. For a commercial aircraft, navigation reliability is a vital safety component, as the system must accurately direct the aircraft between waypoints and guarantee secure route compliance.
In the case of the MC-21-310, experts assessed the performance of the inertial navigation system during operations along a non-closed route, indicating that the flight profile involved multiple directional changes and intermediate waypoints rather than a straightforward out-and-back pattern. This category of route imposes increased requirements on navigation precision and system reliability.
In addition to assessing navigation performance, engineers evaluated the aircraft’s long-range high-frequency communication system, which facilitates dependable communication between the aircraft and ground services over extensive distances. Such systems are particularly vital on routes where ground-based communication coverage is restricted, including remote and sparsely inhabited areas of Russia.
Parallel Testing and New Domestic Components
Other Certification Activities Underway
During navigation trials conducted on aircraft 0012, simultaneous certification activities continued on MC-21-310 (0013). This phase prioritizes the evaluation of stability and controllability using domestically manufactured flight-control actuators, a vital component of Russia’s comprehensive import-substitution strategy.
These evaluations generally examine the aircraft’s response to variations in pitch and roll, its stability across various flap and landing gear configurations, and its performance under external disturbances such as turbulence and crosswinds. Successfully concluding this phase is vital for demonstrating safe and reliable handling characteristics across all operational conditions.
The MC-21 in a Broader Aviation Context
Competition With Boeing and Airbus
The MC-21 is positioned as a rival to Western medium-range airliners, chiefly the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families. According to representatives of the United Aircraft Corporation, the MC-21 provides several technical benefits, including an optimized wing configuration, a broader passenger compartment, and an advanced avionics system.
Nevertheless, certification continues to be the determining factor. Without complete certification approval, the aircraft is unable to commence extensive commercial operations or obtain acknowledgment from international aviation authorities.
Import Substitution: A Challenge and an Opportunity
The MC-21-310 constitutes an entirely domestically supplied configuration, engineered to reduce dependence on international vendors. Although this approach enhances industrial autonomy, it also introduces complexity to the certification process, as newly developed systems are required to be validated both independently and within the context of an integrated aircraft architecture.
At present, the certification process for the import-substituted MC-21 variant is advancing consistently. Engineers are assessing not only navigation and communication systems but also flight control systems, engine management systems, automation algorithms, and numerous additional subsystems.
What Are the Next Steps for the MC-21 Program
The certification initiative is currently in progress. Upcoming phases comprise further test flights, comprehensive analysis of the gathered data, optimization of system performance, and the preparation of documentation for aviation authorities. Each phase is conducted with a comprehensive technical evaluation to guarantee complete adherence to safety standards.
Following certification, the subsequent stages will include obtaining approval for serial production and delivering the aircraft to initial customers. Numerous Russian airlines have already demonstrated interest in the MC-21, highlighting its efficiency, contemporary design, and prospective operational benefits.
Final Remarks
The successful completion of the navigation examination by MC-21-310 (0012) marks an important step in the certification process of Russia’s new passenger aircraft. The test verified the dependable performance of essential navigation and communication systems during actual long-distance flights.
Simultaneously, certification testing continues on MC-21-310 (0013), advancing the overall program toward its final objective—complete certification and commercial deployment.
Each successfully completed test reduces the disparity between development and operational conditions, signifying consistent advancement for one of Russia’s most prominent civil aviation initiatives of recent decades.