EMZ Myasishchev to participate in small-medium aircraft tender (371 words)

Published: 5/30/2001

According to Valery Shiriyanz, Deputy General Designer of AO EMZ Myasishchev, EMZ has decided to take part in the forthcoming tender for the development of a small-medium haul passenger aircraft, administered by the Russian aerospace agency (RAKA). The tender is part of a process outlined under the draft of the programme of aviation development for 2002-2010 and the period through to 2015. Shiriyanz says that the TsAGI has already checked the EMZ's design based on the GP-60/M-60 concept. This is a series of design studies undertaken by the bureau for an efficient aircraft of varying sizes, with the objective of halving fuel consumption, halving takeoff weight and reducing production costs. The proposed family of aircraft was unusual in that it was oval in shape, with medium aspect ratio wing and two integrated engines. The version of this aircraft being offered by EMZ will carry 130-170 passengers and be equipped with two variants of the PS-90A, developed for the Yak-242. According to preliminary estimates, the EMZ's aircraft will be able to carry 150 passengers for 5,000 km at 900km per hour. Shiriyanz noted that the terms of the tender will be released at the end of H1 2001 and that OKB Tupolev and AK Ilyushin, will complete the tender. OKB Yakovlev would also take part. According to the Deputy Director, the need/market is for about 250-500 aircraft. The resurrection of the GP-60/M-60, not heard of since 1998, is something of a surprise as, without state funding, it seems unlikely that EMZ can fund such a venture. Potentially, monies could be forthcoming from industrial financial group, Kaskol, but it has made it clear that it has little interest in the development of large aircraft. The only other source of revenue for the bureau would be through its marketing JV with Kaskol and Sokol for the M-101 Gzhel but, given the sales to date and the likely future sales, it seems doubtful that, even if Kaskol's approval could be gained, sufficient funds could be generated. With the recent announcement of restructuring within the industry and the placement of EMZ within the SVSK-2 grouping led by Sukhoi and containing Ilyushin and VASO, perhaps a more cooperative approach to the programme is planned.

Article ID: 2566