Frigate Ecojet: Will Russia Ever Build This Innovative Aircraft?

The Frigate Ecojet was a proposed Russian commercial aircraft project designed for medium-haul routes. Its distinctive feature was an elliptical fuselage cross-section, aimed at improving passenger comfort and efficiency.
The project originated in the early 1990s, with the intention of developing a wide-body aircraft to replace older models. Despite initial plans for a twin-engine configuration, the project ultimately adopted a four-engine design, powered by the Perm-made PD-14 engine.
One of the Frigate Ecojet's key innovations was its extensive electrification of onboard systems. This included electric taxiing, anti-icing, air conditioning, and actuators, leading to anticipated reductions in fuel consumption, operational costs, and aircraft weight.
The aircraft was designed to carry between 250 and 350 passengers on flights of up to 4,500 km. A larger variant with a central fuel tank could have extended the range to 8,000 km.
While the Fregate Ecojet garnered significant attention and discussion, it ultimately did not progress to production. However, recent studies by the Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI) suggest that the project's underlying concepts, such as non-traditional aerodynamic configurations and electrification, may still hold potential for future long-haul aircraft designs.
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