Third Il-114-300 joins Russian regional turboprop test program
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has released images of the first flight of the third prototype of the Il-114-300, a regional passenger turboprop developed by Ilyushin.
The aircraft has joined the development program that aims to certify the model for the start of deliveries in 2026.
The maiden flight was carried out in conjunction with the second prototype and lasted about 30 minutes.
“Currently, the second prototype of the aircraft is flying almost daily under an additional certification test program,” said Il PJSC Managing Director Daniil Brenerman.
The addition of another aircraft will allow us to complete the necessary amount of tests and certify the aircraft within the established timeframe. The delivery of production aircraft to operators will begin next year.”
Replacement for the Antonov An-24 and ATR 72
The Russian government launched the Il-114-300 program to supply the country’s airlines with a turboprop capable of replacing the aging An-24 and also the ATR aircraft, in this case, due to Western trade sanctions.
An upgrade of the original Il-114, the low-wing twin-engine turboprop is equipped with TV7-117ST-01 engines that drive a set of six-blade propellers.
According to the UAC, the Il-114-300 has superior flight performance, uses composite materials in its structure and has a new digital flight navigation system.
The Il-114-300 is designed to operate autonomously on small airfields with concrete and earth surfaces. In addition, it can be used in the Arctic regions of Russia.
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