Final assembly of the prototype Antonov An-148 regional jet is progressing at Antonov's plant in Kiev, Ukraine. Assembly began after delivery of the tail unit, produced by the VASO plant in Voronezh, which was shipped to Antonov on 2 March on board an An-22 transport aircraft.
Last month the An-148's main landing gear struts were installed, produced by Yuzhnyi Machinery Building Plant in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine. Aircraft systems are being fitted, including the air conditioning, hydraulics, fuel and fire extinguishing equipment. The electrical power system and equipment for the flight-test systems are also being installed on the prototype.
The 80-seat twinjet has been developed from the An-74, incorporating a stretched fuselage and new wing. It is powered by two Progress D-436-148 turbofans and will have a range of 2,200-5,100km (1,190-2,760nm).
The prototype is due to be rolled out in mid-2004, with a first flight expected to follow before the end of the year. Another two prototypes are in advanced stages of assembly, one of which will be for flight testing and the other for static testing. Antonov is aiming to gain CIS certification in 2005 and begin series production in 2006. Antonov is yet to secure any firm orders, but several airlines are interested.
Source: Flight International
