Russia has indeed confirmed that a new version of the SSJ100, manufactured by Sukhoi, will be developed by 2024, as a way to compete in the western market with Mitsubishi Aircraft and Embraer.
The information was confirmed this weekend through a statement by Oleg Bocharov, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, for TASS, a state media company in Russia.
“What dates are being moved? Who told you? Nobody postponed the dates. We have an instruction from the president about 2024”, said Bocharov, adding that 2024 is still on the UAC agenda.
Despite the schedule being maintained, the UAC still does not know some basic characteristics that will determine the pace of the plane's performance, such as the engines.
“It will be equipped with the SaM-146 engine, or with a new PD-8 engine. The SSJ-75 project is an import-substituted aircraft, but it does not have 75 seats”, said Bocharov.
This new version disappoints the market, which expected a complete renovation of the Russian plane. The only difference will be the greater presence of Russian components, which reduces dependence on the West, and guarantees deliveries even if embargoes are established against Russia.
Other aircraft issues will also be resolved, regarding reliability and airworthiness, problems faced by the SSJ-100 in recent years.
