Sukhoi is confident that international demand for the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ), currently in development, will top 800 aircraft.
The Russian manufacturer believes that international certification for the RRJ family will expand its potential market beyond Russia and the CIS and gain around 60% of the type's market from Europe, America and Asia.
"We have been working in close consultation with airlines such as Air France to gauge their requirements for a product like this," said Andrei Ilyn, general director Sukhoi Civil Aircraft. "By developing a high quality product that meets these standards, we can open up the RRJ to a huge international market."
There will be six versions of the family, all based on the same wing and engine and sharing maximum commonality of airframe components and equipment. This is expected to reduce development, production and development costs. Optimised passenger capacity will be 60, 75 and 95 seats with base and long range versions. It is expected to make its maiden flight in early 2006.
Sukhoi Civil Aircraft is harnessing the knowledge of some of the industry's biggest players to produce a high quality aircraft that is competitively priced. Boeing is bringing its knowledge of marketing, development, production and sales to ensure strong product targeting. The SM146 engine and propulsion system developed jointly by Snecma and NPO Saturn was selected last April. A second test campaign of the engine and Snecma's DEM21 core engine technology acquisition programme began recently.
Jean-Paul Cojan, Snecma vice-president commercial engines, said: "This partnership brings both experience and technical capability so we can make a high performing aircraft at competitive cost."
The remaining programme participants are expected to be selected by August this year.
The estimated $600 million needed for the project will come from Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, risk sharing partners such as Snecma, as well as government and banking institutions.
Source: Flight Daily News
