Third Ilyushin IL-114-300 prototype joins flight testing

:: UAC

The third Ilyushin IL-114-300 prototype made its first flight in late March, joining the type’s flight testing program. The 68-seat turboprop powered by new Russian-made TV7-117CT-01 engines is developed to replace the outdated Soviet-built Antonov An-24/26 aircraft as well as Western-built ATR 42/72, Bombardier Q300 and CRJ100/200B on local routes.

The new prototype IL-114-300 (tail number 54116, SN10-01) uses exclusively Russian-made systems and equipment, according to United Aircraft Corporation, parent of the aircraft maker IL.

The ТV7-117CT-01 was certified in December 2022. Compared to the previous TV7-117C, which powered the original IL-114-100, the new engine generates more thrust in take-off setting.

The first test prototype of IL-114-300 made its first flight in 2020. The test program was disrupted by the crash of a IL-112V military transport, powered by the same engines, in August 2021. The test program was resumed in 2024, when the second IL-114-300 prototype joined in. By now it has accumulated 280 hours in 100 flights.

“The fact that we have the third aircraft join the program means all work will be completed and the aircraft will be certified according to the schedule. Delivery of the serial production aircraft to operators will start next year,” managing director of IL Daniil Brenerman said.

In late February minister of industry and trade Anton Alikhanov in an interview to state-run Rossiya 24 TV station said that certification of IL-114-300 should be completed before the end of the year.

The governmental roadmap of commercial aviation industry development states that UAC is to produce three IL-114-300s in 2026, with 51 aircraft of the type to be handed over to customers until 2030.

Currently the manufacturer holds preliminary order from State Transport Leasing Corporation (GTLK) for 65 IL-114-300s.