This morning (16/12) UAC (United Aircraft Corporation), a Russian state-owned manufacturer, performed the first flight of the Ilyushin Il-114-300, the company's newest turboprop focused on the regional aviation market.
The flight was performed by an experienced crew consisting of Chief Test Pilot 1st Class Nikolai Kuimov, Test Pilot 1st Class Dmitry Komarov and Test Engineer 1st Class Oleg Gryazev.
During the flight, the crew checked the modes of operation of the engines, the stability and controllability of the aircraft, as well as the operation of its systems. It was the pilots' first experience with the plane, which justifies these ways of conducting the first flight.
The Ilyushin-114-300 had its official launch a few years ago, with the aim of making the first flight in 2018 and entering service in 2022, but the program was postponed and the first test plane was ready about a few months ago. .
A second prototype, following series production standards, is being assembled and should be ready by the end of the year.
The -300 is a modernized 68-seat variant of the Il-114 turboprop. Production is restarting to meet regional domestic transport demand, particularly in remote areas, and to replace older Antonov planes used on these routes.
The IL-114-300 represents a further step in the systematic conversion of Russian military technologies to civil aviation. The aircraft has potential for countries that focus on developing local and regional air traffic.
The plane is equipped with Russian TV7-117ST-01 turboprop engines designed and manufactured by JSC UEC-Klimov, with takeoff power of up to 3100 hp. This engine is equipped with AV-112-114 propellers, manufactured with new generation concepts and automatic control.
“The end of 2020 is rich in aviation firsts. As you know, yesterday the MC-21-310 medium-range commercial aircraft with PD-14 engines took off for the first time. Today, the Il-114-300 turboprop made its maiden flight – it is yet another aircraft in the enger lineup, which our aircraft manufacturers will offer to operators in the near future. The new aircraft is especially relevant for our country: it is compatible with different levels of airfield equipment, is adapted for operation in the harsh conditions of the North, Siberia, the Far East and, due to the optimal capacity of the cabin, can become the basic vehicle for the development of regional transport. In 2022, UAC plans to complete the certification of the Il-114-300 and, from 2023, to start serial deliveries”, said Sergei Chemezov, Director General of Rostec State Corporation.
