Lack of finance slows aircraft development (211 words)

Published: 3/12/2001

Recent statements by Victor Litvanov, Ilyushin's General Director, suggest that the Il-112V military twin-turboprop transport programme, first initiated in 1994 as an alternative to the Ukrainian An-38, is continuing apace. The bureau according to Litvanov, is beginning “design development” of the aircraft with technical and design documentation. The aircraft was selected by the Russian Air Force to replace the An-26 in 1999; a market optimistically estimated at 120 aircraft by 2010 - for the military alone. It was selected by the MoD, with the potential for extensive redesign, to improve performance over the An-26. According to Litvanov, the MoD reaffirmed its interest in the aircraft in 2000, but has yet to find the finance to back its commitment. No contract has been signed. In the circumstances, the aircraft's maiden flight (originally scheduled for 2002) is unlikely to take place. According to sources within Ilyushin, the reality of the Il-112V differs somewhat from Litvanov's public statements. The aircraft's design work is proceeding slowly and there is no funding for the programme in 2001. Work on the aircraft that is being undertaken, is being financed by Ilyushin (largely to keep designers occupied). The aircraft's producer, VASO, according to reports, has not even begun tooling plan development. Even if funding were available, the aircraft would be unlikely to see serial production in less than four years according to sources.

Article ID: 2407