https://www.flightglobal.com/news/artic ... ps-458471/
Why RSK MiG sees a future in regional turboprops
21 August, 2019
Russian fighter manufacturer RSK MiG
is preparing production of an updated version of the Ilyushin Il-114 regional turboprop
in a bid to create additional workload beyond its long-standing MiG-29 family.
The manufacturer – a division of United Aircraft (UAC) –
rolled out the MiG-29 series’ latest version, MiG-35,
in 2017 and is now in the process of promoting the jet to countries operating previous Fulcrum versions,
director general Ilya Tarasenko told FlightGlobal during an interview in Moscow in April.
Half of RSK MiG’s business comes from the supply of new aircraft,
while the balance is covered by support activities for the in-service fleet
at the air forces of Russia and approximately 30 other nations.
But he declines to provide detail about the company’s order and delivery situation and
shows much more interest in discussing the Il-114-300 project.
PLANNED PROTOTYPE
Production of the twin-turboprop’s prototype has begun, with a plan to conduct a first flight in 2020.
“Currently we are working with the airlines to fix requirements to the aircraft,” he says.
Engineering activities for the aircraft – featuring updated Klimov ТВ7-117СТ-01 engines,
new cockpit equipment and a new cabin interior – are being led by Ilyushin’s design bureau.
The aircraft will be available with different cabin configurations for 68, 60 and 52 passengers.
Despite the prototype production having started,
Tarasenko says that MiG is in a position
to immediately include additional specifications in the manufacturing process.
Certification is targeted for 2022,
with a plan to start serial production at an initial rate of 12 aircraft per year.
The manufacturer’s existing capacity would facilitate an increase to 36 units per annum, says Tarasenko.
He foresees demand for 300 Il-114-300s across Russia
and further sale opportunities abroad.
Southeast Asia represents the second largest market for the type, he says.
Tarasenko insists that RSK MiG’s survival is not dependent on the Il-114-300 programme but admits:
“For any company that burns money, any programme that brings money is important.
We have a business plan for the Il-114 where we see what profits we can get.
That’s why we are implementing the programme under authority of [parent group United Aircraft].”
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/artic ... ps-458471/
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