Russia to spend $4.6bn for MS-21 aircraft developmentFebruary 14, 2014 - 10:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia will spend 164 billion rubles ($4.6 billion) to develop and produce its MS-21 medium-range passenger aircraft, a government official said Thursday, Feb 13, according to RIA Novosti. The MS-21, currently in development, is designed to carry between 150 and 212 passengers and is expected to make its maiden flight in 2015 with first deliveries due in 2017. “The cost of the whole project is 164 billion rubles, which comprises an equal share of state funds and private investments,” said Andrei Boginsky, who heads the aviation construction department at the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Boginsky said the budget includes expenditure on R&D work, procurement of components and production of the aircraft. The MS-21 is intended to replace all models of the outdated Tu-154 and Tu-134 aircraft, as well as the Yak-42 in Russia. The plane will be produced in three versions – MS-21-200 (150 passengers), MS-21-300 (180 passengers) and MS-21-400 (212 passengers). It will be Russia's first plane with components made of carbon fiber. The new technology can save 25 percent in fuel and 15 percent in maintenance costs, as well as reduce harm to the environment, according to the designers. Photo: UAC Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |