United Aircraft has flown its latest prototype airframe of the twin-turboprop Ilyushin Il-114-300, bringing the flight-test fleet to three aircraft.
Its initial sortie – with three crew members on board – took place on 31 March and lasted for 30min.
The crew tested controllability of the Il-114-300, number 54116, as well as the stable operation of its systems.
As part of the exercise, the third prototype was flown alongside the second prototype – which was carrying out its 100th flight – in a pass over the runway at a height of 100m (330ft).
The second prototype has been undergoing certification tests has flown for more than 280h.
United Aircraft’s Ilyushin division managing director, Daniil Brenerman, says this aircraft performs flights “almost daily”.
“Addition of [a third prototype] will allow us to complete the required amount of testing and certify the aircraft within the stated timeframe,” he states.
“Supply of serial aircraft to operators will begin next year, in strict accordance with contractual obligations.”
United Aircraft is developing the Il-114-300 as a modernised version of the original Il-114, in order to address regional transport connectivity demands.
The programme to update the turboprop and resume serial production is being supported by the Russian ministry of industry and trade.
Powered by Klimov TV7-117ST-01 engines, the 68-seat aircraft features a new propeller, and higher take-off power.
It also uses an increased proportion of composite materials and a digital flight and navigation system.
“Almost all of the main systems have been improved on the aircraft, with special attention paid to improving the ergonomics of the cockpit,” says United Aircraft.
Klimov managing director Vsevolod Eliseev says the powerplant has demonstrated “excellent performance” during the certification flights.
“It is necessary to demonstrate that the TV7-117ST-01 operates reliably,” he says. “The engine is certified, its production has been technologically mastered…and there are all the necessary capacities for serial production.”
United Aircraft says the third prototype’s first flight commemorated the anniversary of the birth of aircraft designer Sergei Ilyushin in 1894.
