The prototype Antonov An-70 propfan tactical transport has completed its first phase of flight tests and will be handed over to the Russian air force this month for further flight testing with military pilots at an air force test centre, says Lt Gen Yuri Klishin, deputy commander for acquisition.
The handover paves the way for a launch order from the Russian air force. Russia and Ukraine will begin series production of the An-70 regardless of any future decision by Western European countries to reject the An-70 as a possible solution to their ongoing tactical airlift requirements, says Klishin.
The decision has been made to order the first batch of 10 An-70s and 50 Motor-Sich D-27 propfan engines for the aircraft, Klishin says. Series production will be launched at the Aviant plant in Kiev, Ukraine, in 1999 and the Aviakor plant in Samara, Russia, by 2000.
Klishin will not confirm that there is a firm funding allocation for the planned procurement, which could be cast into further doubt by a worsening of Russia's current financial difficulties.
Source: Flight International