VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / MOSCOW
The first indigenously powered version of the Antonov An-38, the -200, is being prepared by Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO) for its first flight, as discussions are held over the sale of aircraft to Vietnam Airlines.
This version of the twin-turboprop differs from the earlier An-38-100. It is equipped with the Baranov OMKB TVD-20Ms instead of the Honeywell TPE331-14s, and features an improved avionics suite.
The first example of the An-38-200 has completed electrical tests and performed taxi runs, and is due to fly later this month, according to NAPO deputy general director Eugeny Elgayev.
The An-38-200 is due to receive a supplemental type certificate next year to Russian AP-23 airworthiness rules, which are similarto the US Federal AviationAdministration's FAR Part 25.
The Siberian manufacturer is talking to Vietnam Airlines about a deal for between two and five An-38s, says Elgayev. The airline has already signed a contractfor wet-lease of an An-38-120 from NAPO's own airlineNAPO-Aviatrans, which is due to begin operational trials in Vietnam in March.
NAPO also claims it is in the final stages of compiling a contract with Tuva Airlines for three An-38s, for which the Russian federal government has provided state guarantees.
Six An-38-100s have been handed over so far by NAPO to three customers, including three to Vostok Airlines. Vostok has been operating two of its An-38s in Malaysia on wet-lease with Sarawak-based Layang-Layang Aerospace.
Source: Flight International
