VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / MOSCOW
Sukhoi asks Honeywell and Rockwell Collins to take part in regional jet tender
Sukhoi has invited Honeywell and Rockwell Collins to participate in the avionics tender for the Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) programme the manufacturer is developing with Boeing, Ilyushin and Yakovlev. The US companies have been asked to submit their proposals by year-end, with selection of the avionics supplier planned for mid-2003.
As well as meeting the avionics specification which Sukhoi is completing, the supplier will be required to develop avionics using its own funds and set up production in Russia to provide local companies with 50% workshare.
Meanwhile, Andrei Ilyin, head of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft, says the choice of engine supplier will be announced by 20 December. Pratt & Whitney Canada, in partnership with MTU and Aviadvigatel, is offering the PW800 against Snecma and NPO Saturn with the SM146 (Flight International, 30 July-5 August).
The avionics tender and engine selection follow a recent change in the RRJ family, with the 60-seat RRJ-60 replacing the 55-seat RRJ-55. With full passenger load and fuel reserves for a 370km (200nm) diversion, the standard 35,615kg (78,500lb) maximum take-off weight (MTOW) RRJ-60 version will have a range of 3,200km, while the long-range 38,585kg RRJ-60LR will have a 4,800km range. The basic RRJ-75 with 38,770kg MTOW will carry 70 passengers 3,000km, while the RRJ-75LR will have a MTOW of 42,265kg and a range of 4,500km.
The RRJ-95 with 95 seats will fly 2,690km at a 42,505kg MTOW and 4,000km at 45,885kg. The family members are designed for Mach 0.78-0.8 cruise speed and a yearly utilisation of 3,600h. RRJ chief designer Victor Ivashechkin says the standard RRJ-75 would be priced at $23-25 million.
Source: Flight International
