MOSCOW. Oct 8 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian Regional Jet (RRJ) to be co-designed by Sukhoi, Ilyushin, and Yakovlev Design Bureaus, and Boeing will also involve designers from the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant (KnAAPO), a competent KnAAPO source told Interfax-Military News Agency Wednesday.
"The Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association possesses top national electronic simulation and designing expertise. Taking this into account, it is quite logical that we have been offered to co-design the regional jet," the source said.
He said that "KnAAPO will participate in the project on a shared-risk basis, which implies that the firm will fund the R&D and construction of experimental aircraft on its own."
According to the source, "RRJs will be assembled by the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association. KnAAPO will make the RRJ's wing and wing center section."
The RRJ family includes three basic versions for 60 to 95 passengers. The jets will be powered by two SM146 engines co- designed by Russia's Saturn Research and Production Association and France's Snecma. The takeoff weight of the aircraft will be 35,615 to 45,885kg. The operational range will be 2,690 to 4,800km.
RRJ is a top civil aviation program in Russia. The R&D is evaluated at USD400m-500m.