Rumors have surfaced that Sukhoi is collaborating with companies in Italy to develop a new 130 seat regional jet, tentatively called the Superjet New Generation (SSJ-130NG).
Reports indicate that the aircraft is to be a stretch of the Sukhoi Superjet 100’s fuselage, with mainly composite wings and new engines. These reports also indicate that representatives from the Russian and Italian governments and several aerospace companies in both nations have been discussing the development of a new aircraft for over a year.
The project is likely to be a joint venture as in the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft-Alenia Aermacchi cooperative agreement behind the SSJ100. Another possible option is a partnership between Sukhoi’s parent company, United Aircraft Corporation, and Alenia or its owner, Finmeccanica.
