Irkut selects Pratt's PW1000G for new passenger jet

Irkut Corp., manufacturer of the MC-21 passenger aircraft scheduled to enter service in 2016, selected Pratt & Whitney's PW1000G geared turbofan engine to power the plane.

The MC-21 family (sometimes identified as the MS-21) will comprise three variants seating between 150 and 212 passengers, with first flight planned for 2014. Irkut announced design freeze 11 months ago (ATWOnline, Jan. 7).

The PW1000G also will power Bombardier's CSeries and the Mitsubishi Regional Jet. The engine program entered its 12-15-month detailed design phase over the summer (ATWOnline, May 22). Core testing is scheduled to continue through January, with full testing planned for next summer.

Pratt said the MC-21 will require an extension of the engine to the 30,000-lb.-thrust class. The CSeries requires up to 23,000 lb. Pratt will partner with Russia's United Engine Building Corp. on the Irkut application. Irkut said participation of a domestic engine-maker is required under the Federal Special Purpose Program. The MC-21-200, the smallest of the trio, will be built first.

Separately, Pratt signed a 10-year Engine Management Program agreement with ANA covering 80 PW4000s, including spares. ANA operates 30 PW4000-powered 777s.