Flight testing of the new-generation Ilyushin Il-76 freighter powered by Aviadvigatel PS90A-76 engines is due to begin in June, with deliveries to launch customer Volga-Dnepr expected to start in September following certification.
The TAPO plant has installed four PS90s on a new Il-76TD airframe at its Chkalov factory in Tashkent. Existing Il-76s are equipped with old-generation NPO Saturn D-30KP engines.
Designated the Il-76TD90VD, the programme is being funded by Volga-Dnepr in return for exclusive rights. Other partners include design bureau Ilyushin, engine manufacturer Perm – which builds the PS90 – and TAPO.
The project aims to make the 30-year-old freighter design compliant with the latest International Civil Aviation Organisation noise and environment requirements, and could extend the service life of the Il-76 by up to 30 years.
Stan Wraight, managing director of Volga-Dnepr's AirBridge Cargo division, says the Il-76TD90VDs are new-build airframes. "We are starting with the two...and will see how the market goes," he says.
Along with the new engines, the upgraded Il-76 has a new avionics suite supplied by NPK Irkut's Russian Avionics division, which includes a five-screen glass cockpit featuring 150mm x 205mm (6in x 8in) liquid-crystal displays, and new navigation systems.
Meanwhile, Wraight says Volga-Dnepr will add a third Boeing 747-200F in August and is "close to completing an arrangement for delivery of 747-400Fs in either late 2006 or early 2007".
* Russia's Saturn research and production association has completed two hot-start tests of its D-30KP Burlak upgrade for the Il-76 and Tupolev Tu-154M. The upgrade enables the D-30KP to comply with latest standards.
VLADIMIR KARNOZOV/MOSCOW
Source: Flight International
