Plan includes shrink and stretch

As currently proposed, the SSJ 100 family will comprise two different sizes of aircraft offered with two performance options - "basic" and "LR" (long range).

The 95- to 98-seat SSJ 100-95 is the lead variant in the development programme, and this is the size expected to prevail, so will be the major production version, says SCAC president Victor Subbotin.

The basic 95-seater is offered with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 42,500kg (93,600lb) and an engine thrust of 15,650lb (70kN), offering a range with 98 passengers of 2,950km (1,600nm). The LR version has the same engine thrust, but a 3,400kg increase in MTOW, boosting range to 4,420km.

Although the 75- to 78-seat SSJ 100-75 is on the agenda, Subbotin says the only commitments for this variant are "soft" orders. "We plan to build the 75-seater once the 95-seater is finalised."

The SSJ 100-75 is 3.5m (11.5ft) shorter than the baseline 95-seater, but incorporates an identical wing, while the MTOW on the basic version is reduced to 38,800kg and engine thrust is derated by around 10%. The LR model has the same thrust rating as the 95-seater, and MTOW increased to 42,300kg.

"For the flight-test programme we will build one SSJ 100-75 and one SSJ 100-75LR, but the flight-test effort will be reduced as it can be validated from the 95-seater test programme," says Subbotin.

Further down the road, SCAC is considering the development of a stretched 110-seat version, but a final decision on such a move "will depend on the market" says Subbotin. "The engine and airframe is capable of being stretched to 110-120 seats - the latter would offer lower range and incorporate a high-density seating arrangement with reduced pitch."

SSJ 100-110 studies envisage an aircraft with the strengthened structure and higher weights of the SSJ 100-95LR stretched by around 3m with 1.5m plugs either side of wing. "If we started development now it could be in service in 2010, but 2012 is a more realistic target," says Subbotin.