VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / MOSCOW
Sukhoi will head the project to build 55-95 seater with help from llyushin and Boeing
Aeroflot has agreed to become launch customer for the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) programme being developed in conjunction with Boeing, as the Sukhoi design bureau is named project leader.
The Russian flag carrier has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the programme's three partners - Sukhoi, Boeing and Ilyushin - for "at least 30 aircraft", with the proviso that the project is launched early next year and the aircraft meets its expectations. According to Aeroflot first deputy general director Alexander Zurabov, Siberian carrier Sibir is considering joining forces with Aeroflot to acquire the RRJ.
Although Bombardier takes most of the credit for the regional jet boom of the 1990s, it was actually the Soviet Union that produced the world's first true regional jet - the Yakovlev Yak-40. Aeroflot introduced the 30-seat trijet in 1968, and a total of about 1,000 aircraft were produced.
Three sizes of RRJ are planned, seating 55, 75 and 95 passengers, which will all utilise the same wing and fuselage cross-section.
The aircraft will have a range with a full passenger load of 5,500-6,000km (2,970-3,240nm). First flight is set for 2004, with production due to start in 2005 and service entry with Aeroflot in 2006to 2007.
Both airframe and engines will be produced in Russia, the latter possibly under licence from a Western manufacturer. Talks are under way with Pratt & Whitney, Snecma, General Electric and Perm Motors, and an engine selection is due "within three to four months".
Snecma has signed an MoU with Russian engine specialist NPO Saturn to jointly develop a powerplant for the RRJ. An existing Snecma engine, probably the SPW14, would be adopted for the project, and Saturn would undertake most of the manufacture and development in Russia. The 12,000-16,000lb (53-71kN) thrust SPW14 was being developed in conjunction with Pratt & Whitney Canada but has been on the back burner for several years after failing to find an application.
Sukhoi will head the RRJ project and is tasked with solving "manufacturing issues", while Ilyushin will use its knowledge of the civil certification process and Boeing will lend marketing, certification and customer support expertise. The RRJ is being aimed at domestic and international markets.
Talks are under way with China's AVIC-I about co-operation on regional aircraft, which is hoped to lead to Chinese sales.
According to Yuri Koptev, general director of state aviation agency Rosaviacosmos, the RRJ will not compete with Tupolev's 100-seat Tu-334 and 50-seat Tu-324 which are already under development, since they are designed for different markets.
Source: Flight International
