MS-21-310 aircraft faces weight issues due to domestic component localization

The MS-21-310 commercial aircraft project, a key symbol of Russian aviation technology, is facing significant technical challenges due to efforts to localize components and materials. Experts report that the domestic composite wings, or ‘black wings,’ are considerably heavier than traditional metal alternatives.

According to former Tupolev branch manager Stanislav Ryzhakov, the rush to achieve material autonomy has led to technical setbacks. The increased weight of these core structural components could force the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to completely redesign the wing structure, as the extra mass negatively impacts aerodynamic efficiency, payload capacity, and fuel consumption.

Furthermore, former Airbus pilot Andrei Litvinov notes that the rapid replacement of Western components has resulted in the aircraft weighing approximately 6 tons more than its original design specifications. This weight increase threatens the aircraft's range and commercial viability, potentially requiring higher fuel consumption or a reduction in passenger and cargo capacity to maintain flight performance.