Initial testing of the Irkut MC-21-300's horizontal stabiliser has demonstrated that the design can withstand stresses over a 60,000-cycle operating period.
The durability tests have been conducted by the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute in Moscow.
It states that the stabiliser test structure has been fitted to a rig and subjected to cyclic loading.
By the end of the initial testing – equating to 60,000 typical flights – there were no new defects and no further development of pre-existing impact damage.
This indicates "high reliability" of the structure over the testing, although it adds that ensuring this will require a further 120,000 test cycles – a process which will take around two years.
Irkut conducted the first flight of the MC-21 in May.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
