MS-21 begins engine water protection tests
The test is meant to confirm that water does not disrupt any of the MS-21’s existing systems, equipment or structural elements.
Source | Irkut Corporation
Irkut Corp. (as part of Russia's United Aircraft Corp., or UAC), reported on July 17 that it has begun testing for its MS-21-300 passenger aircraft in order to confirm the possibility of operating the aircraft in the presence of water on the runway. The tests are being conducted as part of the aircraft’s certification program, in accordance with Russian and European airworthiness standards.
To conduct tests at the Ulyanovsk-Vostochny airfield, a “pool” more than 70 meters long and 20 meters wide was mounted. Irkut notes that the pool’s parameters provide a normalized water depth in accordance with previously established Russian and international requirements.
Within a few days, Irkut says its MS-21 aircraft will run on water in a wide range of speeds and different main engine modes, including the use of thrust reverser. The company says that, during the tests, it’s necessary to confirm that the water doesn’t disrupt the aircraft’s main and auxiliary power units during movement, and doesn’t damage any structural elements, systems or equipment.
The course of the tests is said to be recorded by a range of onboard measurement equipment, including video surveillance systems installed on the ground, the plane and attached to certification center representatives and Irkut Corp. specialists.
Related Content
-
A new era for ceramic matrix composites
CMC is expanding, with new fiber production in Europe, faster processes and higher temperature materials enabling applications for industry, hypersonics and New Space.
-
Materials & Processes: Fabrication methods
There are numerous methods for fabricating composite components. Selection of a method for a particular part, therefore, will depend on the materials, the part design and end-use or application. Here's a guide to selection.
-
Cryo-compressed hydrogen, the best solution for storage and refueling stations?
Cryomotive’s CRYOGAS solution claims the highest storage density, lowest refueling cost and widest operating range without H2 losses while using one-fifth the carbon fiber required in compressed gas tanks.
