Russia's air force is interested in acquiring Aircraft Industries' modernised Let L-410NG as a multi-engined trainer suitable for crews of its future transport aircraft, the Czech company's parent UGMK said on 24 October.
A delegation led by Russian first deputy defence minister Alexander Sukhorukov visited the Kunovice plant in late October to inspect the aircraft and hold talks with the company.
The air force sees the modernised L-410NG, which will have a modern, all-glass cockpit, as suitable for the conversion of crews for its future Ilyushin Il-476 transport, which will have a similar cockpit fit and flight management systems, UGMK says.
The service is initially interested in four aircraft, UGMK general director Andrei Koznitsky told the Vedomosti newspaper earlier this month.
The L-410NG will also feature a new wing, increased fuel capacity, General Electric H80 turboprop engines driving AV-725 propellers, a faster cruise speed and increased hot and high operating performance.