On
August 22, 2025, Russia’s
United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) made big news. They got a patent for a new wide-body long-range aircraft. This plane is set to compete with
Boeing’s 787-9 Dreamliner. The patent covers a family of planes designed for carrying passengers, bags, and extra cargo on long flights. These flights can go over oceans and remote areas.The new aircraft uses modern materials to make it better. It is built with
polymer composite materials. These materials help reduce weight and improve fuel use. The plane can fly far without stopping. It aims to give airlines lower costs to run.UAC says this plane will help Russia build its own aviation tech. Right now, Russia depends on foreign planes for long trips. Old Russian planes like the
Ilyushin Il-96 are not efficient. They use too much fuel and make too much noise. This new patent is a step to change that.The design focuses on efficiency and new tech. It has a high-aspect-ratio wing. This means the wing is long and thin. It helps the plane fly smoother and save fuel. The wing tips are shaped like sabers. They are called
saberlets. These reduce drag in the air.
Details of the Patented Aircraft
UAC’s patent describes three main versions of the plane. They call it the
Wide-Body Long-Range Aircraft (WBLRA). The versions are WBLRA-500, WBLRA-600, and WBLRA-700. Each one has different sizes and ranges.The WBLRA-500 can carry 236 passengers. It has a range of 13,600 kilometers. That is about 8,450 miles. The seats are in three classes: first, business, and economy.The WBLRA-600 is the middle one. It holds 281 passengers. Its range is 12,000 kilometers. This version is the closest to the Boeing 787-9 in size.The WBLRA-700 is the biggest. It can take 320 passengers. The range is 10,300 kilometers. All versions can be changed for cargo or mixed use.
How It Compares to Boeing’s 787
UAC claims their plane is cheaper to own and fly. For the WBLRA-600, ownership costs are 3% lower than the Boeing 787-9. Direct operating costs are about 6% less per flight.When you look at costs per seat per kilometer, it gets better. Ownership costs are 11-13% lower. Direct operating costs are 15-17% less. These savings come from the light materials and smart design.The Boeing 787-9 is known for its efficiency. It also uses composites. But UAC says their plane beats it in costs. This could make it attractive for airlines.The plane meets global standards. It follows rules from the
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This means low noise and low emissions.
Why Russia Needs This Plane Now
Russia faces tough times in aviation. Western sanctions limit access to parts and planes. Since 2022, it has been hard to get new aircraft from Boeing or Airbus.In 2023, Russia left a joint project with
China. That was the
CR929 plane. It was meant to be a wide-body jet. Now, UAC is going alone. This patent shows Russia’s push for self-reliance.The new plane is made for Russian conditions. It can handle cold weather and rough airports. It uses local parts to avoid import problems.Experts say this is key for Russia’s airlines. They need modern planes for long routes. Without them, travel could slow down.
Future Plans and Challenges
Russia’s government is involved. The
Industry and Trade Minister, Anton Alikhanov, spoke about it. He said they are setting requirements for the plane. They will start research in 2026.UAC uses
digital twin tech. This is a virtual model of the plane. It helps test ideas fast without building real parts.But challenges remain. Building a new plane takes time and money. Sanctions make it hard to get some tech. Russia must develop everything at home.The patent protects the design. It covers shapes, materials, and systems. This helps attract investment.
What This Means for Global Aviation
This news could shake up the market. Boeing and Airbus rule wide-body planes. A new Russian option might offer lower prices.For countries like the USA, UK, and Canada, this shows Russia’s tech growth. It might lead to more competition. Airlines there could watch for cost savings.But trust is an issue. Sanctions mean Western firms might not buy Russian planes. Still, other countries could be interested.UAC aims to make Russia a player in aviation again. This plane is a big step. It could fly in the next decade.In summary, Russia’s new patented plane is exciting. It promises better efficiency than the Boeing 787. With lower costs and modern tech, it could change long-haul flights. Watch for more updates as development starts.
