From SU-30MKI to MC-21

SP Guide Publications: Irkut Corporation has been very well known in India by the Su-30MKI. What are the prospects of the program?

Oleg F. Demchenko (Demchenko): The Su-30MKI program has already produced excellent results, and thus it has a big future ahead.

The program allowed both the aviation industries of Russia and India to upgrade bilateral relationship as “buyer-seller” to the stage of scientificindustrial partnership with ambitious prospects.

Together with the “Sukhoi” Company we have started negotiations with Indian experts on the image of the Super-30 upgraded aircraft. It is absolutely clear that it will surpass all existing 4++ generation aircraft due to active phase-array radar, state-of-the-art avionics and new generation weaponry of Russian and foreign origin.

The Su-30MKI will be equipped with the Russian-Indian BrahMos supersonic missiles able to penetrate the most advanced air defense.

Carrying on our cooperation on Su-30MKI we have been developing new programs. In the military field it is Yak-130 - the new generation combat trainer, and MC-21, medium range prospect airliner - in civil aviation field.

Q: What is the reason for Irkuts engagement with civil aviation, while being so successful in the military field?

Demchenko: Our main goal is to become a high-tech diversified enterprise - the main player on the world’s transport and narrow-body passenger aircraft market.

Irkut Corporation nowadays has been expanding all spheres of its activity including the Corporation size, production volume and export destinations. We have been reaching the first results of our diversified program being started several years ago. By now, the order book is exceeding 6 bln. USD.

Q: What are the MC-21 main features?

Demchenko: This aircraft will surpass all existing ones by cost-efficiency and comfort. MC-21 will ensure direct operational costs cut-off by 12-15% in comparison with the aircraft we fly today. Moreover MC-21 will provide passengers with a significantly higher level of comfort onboard.

Q: When do you expect MC-21 take-off? Is there any demand on this aircraft?

Demchenko: We are going to start MC-21 aircraft delivery in 2016. During the second half of 2010 we concluded firm contracts as well as memorandums on 190 aircraft. To my point of view MC-21 will be of great interest for our industrial partners in India as well as the local airlines.

Q: India-Russia established a joint venture on the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) development. Will Irkut participate in this program?

Demchenko: Will be for sure, as Irkut is responsible for all the military-transport aviation programs. The Irkut Corporation Engineering Center will take part in MTA design. The aircraft production line is supposed to be arranged at the Ulianovsk-based Aviastar-SP plant where I was elected as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. This enterprise will be the core element of the Russian aviation industry for the transport aircraft production.

Nowadays Aviastar-SP has been producing the IL-476 upgraded military-transport aircraft to surpass a well-known IL-76. The aircraft efficiency is to be extended due to the low consumption and environment-friendly engines, glass cockpit and new avionics. It will form up a family of specialized aircraft including tankers.

Q: During various exhibitions in 2010 Irkut promoted the An-148 aircraft. What is this aircraft? Are you going to promote it in India?

Demchenko: An-148 - is a regional aircraft with 80 passengers capacity which came into service with the Russian and international airlines in 2010.

It is the best choice for operations in undeveloped and poorly equipped airfields. An-148 could be used as a basis for production of transport and specialized aircraft.

I am sure that many of the new Irkut programs are of great interest for our customers in India and all the South-Asian region. From our side we will do our best to follow the path of our state leaders to increase further development with our partners in India.