Moscow, Mar26 (IANS/RIA Novosti): The first in-flight tests of Russia's domestically designed PD-14 engine for MS-21 passenger planes are scheduled for 2014, an official said.

The fifth-generation PD-14 engine is Russia's first domestic development in the area of civilian engine-building for the last 25 years.

Russia has invested 70 billion rubles (over $2 billion) in the development of the engine.

"At present, the engine is being prepared for tests on an Il-76-based airborne testing lab, scheduled to take place in 2014," said Anastasia Denisova, spokesperson for the United Engine-Building Corporation (UEC).

The engine is expected to be certified in 2015 and go into production in 2016.

The PD-14 has been developed by Russia's Aviadvigatel company to become one of the alternative power plants for the new family of MS-21 twin-jet passenger aircraft with seating capacities of 150-215.

MS-21 aircraft are to replace all models of Tu-154B and Tu-154M aircraft as well as Yak-42 in Russia.

The deliveries of MS-21 will start in 2017 and the initial production models will feature Pratt and Whitney PW1400G engines.