Russia's defence ministry is in final contract negotiations for an initial batch of turboprop-powered Antonov An-3 biplanes for use during army parachute training, says the Polyot production association, which expects the deal to total around 200 aircraft eventually.
Intended to replace the An-2, the new aircraft is nearing the receipt of military certification which will clear it to carry 12 paratroopers or 1,800kg (3,960lb) of cargo.
Polyot, which has so far delivered 23 civilian An-3Ts and has firm orders for 60 more, says the Omsk Baranov TVD-20-03-powered aircraft has a unit cost of around Rb17 million ($670,000).
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Source: FlightGlobal.com