Meetings held by Sukhoi with several international associates
during the show will help finalize future plans agreed earlier
with Boeing for the cooperative development and marketing of the
new Russian Regional Jet (RRJ). Speaking to Show News,
Sukhoi director Mikhail Pogosyan said that in addition to private
investment, some Russian government funding has been authorized
towards the estimated $600 million R&D costs for the RRJ,
for which design details were now nearing finalization.
A large-scale RRJ model on the Sukhoi stand resembles a scaled-down
Boeing 737 with closer-set and new SM146 turbofans. Agreement
was reached in April between France's Snecma and Russia's NPO
Saturn engine companies for 50:50 joint-venture development of
the SM146, for which Snecma is already test-running the gas generator
assembly. Developing 13,227-16,535 pounds thrust, the SM146 will
be available for three planned versions of the RRJ, accommodating
60, 75 or 95 passengers.
First flight of a prototype RRJ is planned in January 2006. Initial
orders for about 50 RRJs from at least four interested airlines,
possibly including 30 for Aeroflot, and others from CIS operators,
are being sought by Sukhoi to launch production for initial deliveries
in 2007. In addition to providing resources and experience, Boeing
will be involved in many other aspects of the RRJ program, and
subsequent support, from anticipated sales of up to 600 aircraft
worth at least $11 billion.
