Test flights are set to commence with an Antonov An-140 turboprop modified to carry out aerial terrain mapping by Russia’s Myasishchev experimental facility.
The twin-engined aircraft has been adapted with specialised equipment for cartographic work, says United Aircraft.
It states that the An-140 is to undergo a “comprehensive” series of ground and airborne tests to confirm the safety of the aircraft and the operability of the newly-fitted equipment.
The aircraft will be able to carry out high-resolution photography for digital terrain databases enabling creation of three-dimensional models of geographic features.
Myasishchev has previously been involved in geophysical aviation work with the development of its M-55 high-altitude aircraft.
“We are very confident that our new development will also be successful,” says the experimental facility’s managing director Alexander Gorbunov.
