MOSCOW, March 3. /TASS/. Development of the Baikal light airplane continues and three specimens were manufactured, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov said.
"The work is also in progress to develop the Baikal light aircraft tailored to needs of the Far East, the North of our country. Three specimens were produced," the minister said.
In total, 174 flights were made using imported powerplants and two prototype domestic engines VK-800 are ready, Alikhanov said. "Recommendations to improve performance have been recently given to the airplane developer, the Zhukovsky research and test center. The improved aircraft undergoes flight tests," the minister noted. First deliveries of the Baikal plane are planned in late 2026," he added.
The lightweight multirole Baikal aircraft has nine seats and is to replace the Soviet-time An-2 airplane. The cruising speed of the airplane is up to 300 km/h. The maximum endurance is 3,000 km (1,5000 km with the 2 metric tons payload).