Russia's Superjet makes maiden test flight

Sukhoi's new plane also pitches it against Chinese and Japanese firms racing to invest in regional jet transport -- a market that offers a chance to flex industrial muscle without the colossal sums needed to challenge Airbus (EAD.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) or Boeing.

Key to the Superjet's success is a deal between Sukhoi and Italian aerospace firm Finmeccanica, whose Alenia Aeronautica unit has 25 percent of Sukhoi's civil division.

Alenia, which co-owns Franco-Italian turboprop maker ATR with Airbus parent EADS, plans to provide after-sales service and support that are both crucial for winning contracts.

Putin forged a giant new state aircraft holding company, known as United Aviation Corporation (UAC), to revive Russia's aviation industry. Sukhoi is part of UAC.

The Superjet will replace Russia's ageing Soviet-made fleet of Tupolev Tu-134 and Yakovlev Yak-42 planes on domestic routes. (Reporting by Anton Doroshev, writing by Conor Sweeney, editing by Elizabeth Fullerton)