Irkut selects PW1000G to power MC-21 narrowbody

Irkut Corporation, part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation, selected Pratt & Whitney's PurePower PW1000G geared turbofan to power its planned MC-21 narrowbody aircraft (Seattle Times/AVitrader, 09-Dec-2009). A Russian engine is also expected to be selected for the domestic version of the aircraft. The MC-21 is currently under development by Irkut, Yakolev and Tupolev, under a USD8.2 billion programme. The aircraft will be developed into a family narrowbodies, offering 150-230 seats, to replace Russia's fleet of Tu-154s and compete with the A320 and B737, as well as COMAC's new C919. Flight testing is expected to commence in 2014 or 2015, with commercial service due to commence by the end of 2016. The PW1000G has also been selected to power the Bombardier CSeries and Mitsubishi Regional Jet.