Irkut, the lead contractor in Russia’s United Aircraft Co., is expected to make key final selections on engines, avionics and flight controls for the MS-21aircraft by Nov. 20. According to industry sources, the move fallows Russian government threats to give leadership on the program to AN unidentified company if selections are delayed beyond this deadline.

The engine decision will be particularly watched as it pits Pratt&Whitney’s geared turbofan against an advanced proposal from Rolls-Royce, and marks the first firm program for a next-generation engine in the Airbus A 320/Boeing 737 replacement category. The MS-21 is set for a first flight in 2014 with entry-into service in 2016.

Source: Yakovlev