The second Ilyushin IL-114-300 prototype turboprop has made its maiden flight

:: UAC

The second Ilyushin IL-114-300 prototype has made its maiden flight, resuming the flight test program.

According to the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), the flight lasted 40 minutes and took place at altitudes of up to 900 meters and at speeds of up to 230 km/hour, and was performed from Lukhovitsy airfield.

During the tests, the stability and controllability of the aircraft were checked, as well as the stable operation of Russian-made systems and equipment.

Captain Sergei Sukhar reported that the flight went smoothly, systems and equipment worked properly, the flight program was fulfilled in full.

“The resumption of the flight test program is an important stage on the way to creating a new aircraft for regional transportation. The second aircraft is now joining the flight program. <…> We all have hard work ahead of us. <…> We will have to confirm the reliability and performance of all systems, including in harsh climates,” – said Daniel Brenerman, Ilyushin managing director.

The aircraft is developed by Ilyushin, the final assembly of the aircraft is to be carried out at the aviation enterprise in Lukhovitsy near Moscow (part of UAC).

The IL-114-300 is a regional passenger airplane with a maximum capacity of 68 seats. It is intended to replace the absolute Antonov An-24 on local routes.

According to the latest version of the Russia’s program for the development of the aviation industry, it is planned to produce 70 IL-114-300 until 2030.

The new aircraft has improved flight characteristics, increased the use of composite materials, installed a new digital piloting and navigation system. Almost all main systems have been improved on the aircraft, special attention was paid to improving the ergonomics of the cockpit, UAC noted.

The aircraft is powered by the TV7-117ST-01 engine, which has undergone a set of improvements. A new auxiliary powerplant TA 14-114 has also been installed.

“Ahead, aircraft manufacturers still have a large amount of certification work to do on the IL-114-300, including flight tests,” said Dmitry Yadrov, head of Rosaviatsia.

Second IL-114-300 took to the skies on the day when the 130th anniversary of the birth of the famous aircraft designer Sergey Ilyushin is celebrated. Dozens of combat and civil aircraft were designed, built and tested under his leadership.