Russia's Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) has completed a series of crucial windtunnel tests for United Aircraft's proposed MS-21 twinjet.
The testing at TsAGI's Zhukovsky facility near Moscow was carried out on an MS-21 mock-up with a wing span of 2m (6.6ft) and weight of 250kg (550lb).
Trials covered headwinds up to around 100kt (185km/h) to simulate aerodynamic conditions during take-off and landing.
TsAGI says the data obtained confirm key performance characteristics under various angles of attack.
In September it also completed acoustic and noise-suppression testing of the MS-21 model in a special sonic tunnel.
Director Sergei Chernyshev says the structural improvements have already allowed the design team to enhance aircraft aerodynamic performance by 6% compared with the Tupolev Tu-204.
Source: Flight International
