MOSCOW, August 21. /TASS/. The Il-114-300 regional turboprop aircraft has successfully completed testing in Uzbekistan under conditions of extremely high temperatures, the state corporation Rostec reported. The results will be submitted to aviation authorities and will enable the expansion of the aircraft’s type certificate.
The prototype aircraft arrived at the M.M. Gromov Flight Research Institute's airfield in Zhukovsky in the Moscow Region after a non-stop flight from Bukhara where the functionality of the aircraft’s systems had been tested in ground-level ambient temperatures reaching +42°C.
"Successful completion of the trials confirmed the readiness of the Il-114-300 for operation in southern regions with hot climates. The aircraft is equipped with domestically produced engines, avionics, and a digital flight-navigation system, which have once again demonstrated their resilience against both extreme cold and heat. Data from the tests in Bukhara, along with results from tests conducted in extremely low temperatures in Yakutia, will be submitted to the Aviation Register of Russia for review, verification, and subsequent amendment of the type certificate," Rostec said.
A total of 22 flights were conducted as part of the trials, with the Il-114-300 spending over 30 hours in the air. "Particular attention was paid to evaluating takeoff and landing performance. Five aborted takeoffs were performed, including tests using specially prepared brakes designed to simulate maximum brake disc wear, which is crucial for verifying the aircraft’s safety," the report said.
In the summer, the Il-114-300 received its type certificate, confirming the aircraft’s compliance with airworthiness standards and design specifications, and paving the way for serial production. Manufacturing will take place at the Lukhovitsy Aviation Plant, where three production aircraft are currently in various stages of completion, Rostec said.