Ukraine's Antonov An-148 cleared to compete against domestic designs for first time

The Russian air force has issued a request for proposals for a next-generation tactical transport to replace its ageing fleet of Antonov An-12 airlifters.

Invitations to bid have been sent to Russian companies including Ilyushin, Myasistchev, NPK Irkut and Tupolev.

Two likely bidders are known: Myasistchev is offering the M-60 and Tupolev is promoting the Tu-330. The Irkut/Ilyushin/Hindustan Aeronautics Multirole Transport Aircraft also is being considered as a possible replacement.

Previously only Russian firms were allowed to bid for the requirement, but Ukraine's Antonov has also been cleared to take part, says Russian air force commander Gen Vladimir Mikhailov. A Russian air force delegation visited Antonov's experimental factory in Kiev earlier this year.

"I am very impressed with the An-148," says Mikhailov. "It offers a solid base for development of a ramp-equipped airlifter version. We'd like to have such an aircraft to fill the requirement for a medium-weight tactical transport."

Although deemed too large for the tactical transport role, the Russian-Ukrainian An-70 also continues to be a possible candidate for future Russian air force use. However, design issues must be resolved before Moscow approves production, with these primarily involving the aircraft's ZMKB Progress D-27 propfan engine.

Issues to be resolved include the engine's gas-dynamic instability, short life and price. The Russian air force's main flight and research test centre has come up with a technical solution to improve the D-27's propfan and gas generator and a revised system will be tested late next year.

Compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation Chapter 4 noise requirements has been added to the specification.

"Nobody thought of noise when the aircraft was being conceived, but now it is one of the primary considerations," says Mikhailov. "We cannot bear the situation when the use of the aircraft is confined to Ukraine and Russia."

Russia will continue to fund the An-70 programme, which will this year exceed 2003's $36 million budget, but will only make payments once manufacturers have demonstrated their work, says Mikhailov.

The Ukrainian government has allocated $46 million this year to complete flight tests and fund the construction of two An-70s for the Ukrainian air force.

VLADIMIR KARNOZOV / MOSCOW

 

Source: Flight International