Czech light aircraft maker Evektor has set in motion a plan to produce its new twin turboprop EV-55 Outback near Ulyanovsk. The Russian city is already home to the Aviastar SP aircraft factory, an aviation training school and is in a special economic zone.
Under the terms of a memorandum of understanding signed on 19 August, the Ulyanovsk regional government will assist Kunovice-based Evektor in finding a strategic investor for the project.
The regional government has discussed setting up an aerospace cluster with potential investors. If the Evektor deal goes ahead it could give a new lease of life to Aviastar, whose plant had been due to produce the Eclipse 500 very light jet until that company folded last year.
 |
|---|
© Evektor |
The EV-55 is likely to be well-positioned as a replacement for the ageing Antonov An-2 biplane, hundreds of which remain in service with Russian regional air companies, parachute clubs and private users. A relatively low price for the aircraft - $1.9 million - with a flight range of up to 1,080nm (2,000km) makes it attractive for Russian regional airlines, the Ulyanovsk regional government says.
The EV-55 Outback is a high-wing, twin-engine, turboprop aircraft, with a capacity of nine-14 passengers or up to 1,825kg (4,000lb) of cargo. The aircraft can use short, unpaved airstrips and high-altitude sites. The first EV-55 was rolled out in March.
Evektor's move into Russia follows a similar probe in July by Canada's Viking Air, which signed a deal with Vityaz Avia on possible production of the Twin Otter 400 series turboprop in Russia.
Source: Flight International
