Domestic radio systems under development for MC-21

Russia’s Irkut MC-21 will have an option for domestically-built communications systems, under the government’s import substitution strategy for the aviation industry.

The Ruselectronics division of state technology firm Rostec has developed short- and long-range systems for the twinjet.

Rostec says the division’s Polet arm will deliver 20 radio units, and that intercom equipment for the MC-21 is also under development, with certification due in September.

Polet has recently supplied communications equipment for the Irkut SSJ-New programme, an updated version of the Superjet 100.

It says it handed over short-range antenna systems for installation on two prototype Superjets and is providing six short-range radio stations for the aircraft this year.

Software for data transmission has also been developed for both the SSJ-New and MC-21.

Serial production of the MC-21 has been hampered by sanctions imposed on the Russian air transport industry, increasing the pressure for versions of the aircraft with domestically-produced components and engines.