Aerostar has completed flight testing of its IAK-52W, an enhanced derivative of its licence-built Yakovlev Yak-52 designed for the Western market.
"Essentially, the new IAK-52W offers the same performance as that of the IAK-52, but in an aircraft with twice as much range, more compatibility and easier maintenance and spares provision," says Aerostar director-general Grigore Filip.
Bacau, Romania-based Aerostar began development of the two-seat IAK-52W last year, following an extensive market study, which included input from IAK-52 customers. The aircraft flew for the first time this April.
The IAK-52W, which will make its international debut at the Paris air show, features improvements over the IAK-52.
These include a three-bladed Mulbauer MTV-9 propeller, replacing a two-bladed propeller; installation of two auxiliary fuel tanks in the wing, which doubles the aircraft's fuel capacity to 280litres (75USgal) and increases its range from 550km (300nm) to 1,200km; replacing the old pneumatic drum brakes with hydraulic disc units; upgrading the fabric-covered skins of the aileron, elevator and rudder with aluminium skins; and replacing the Russian-built radios with the enhanced Garmin ICOM IC-A200 communication radio.
European and US certification is planned for the third quarter of this year, followed by first deliveries soon after. "Serial production will begin in August. We hope to build about 30 IAK-52s a year over the next five years, with the bulk of deliveries going to Europe and the US," says Filip.
Source: Flight International
