Ilyushin reveals An-2 replacement , but what are its chances?

Published: 2/22/2000

The recent airing, by the Ilyushin bureau, of a potential An-2 replacement, called the Il-100, at a conference of An-2 operators, has brought yet another regional aircraft into the planned aircraft category of Russian aerospace. The aircraft is also being proposed in a stretched version, with 18-20 seats. The bureau is reported to be completing detailed design drawings of the twin engined 12 seat aircraft and has sought input, according to a report in Flight International, from operators of the 11 seat An-2, in addition to canvassing their interest in a possible aircraft. According to reports, the bureau intends to have the aircraft flying in two years, after it has established a market for the 1000 km range aircraft, with production undertaken at MIG"s Lukhovisky facility. Sources within MiG appear to be a little more sceptical about the future of the aircraft, observing that it is a direct competitor for the Aeroprogress/ROKS-Aero T-101 Grach: a single turboprop aircraft, which started development in 1991, as a specific replacement for the An-2. MiG has built the aircraft and four aircraft are currently in existence, with tooling established. According to MiG, some test flights have even taken place. Additionally, sources report that MiG is actively considering investing in the T-101 this year and believe that is unlikely that the company would choose to become involved in the new programme over one already underway. They are also sceptical about the quoted two years to bring the aircraft to flight, commenting that it will take at least four years, even if the funding was available now. While demand exists for a replacement for the workhorse of the Russian air transport system, the question of funding inevitably casts doubt on its viability. The inter regional segment of the air transport system has been particularly hard hit by the pressures of the last ten years in Russia and there is little solvent demand. It can also be argued that, despite being described as “simple", the use of a two engine layout goes somewhat against the trend of single engines in this area and adds unnecessary complexity.

Article ID: 1460