MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax-AVN) - The Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association is completing the third Su-80 multi-role aircraft prototype.
"The third prototype of the Su-80, developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, will have made its maiden flight by the turn of November," a source in the Russian defense industry told Interfax-AVN on Tuesday.
According to him, the pilot batch will comprise four Su-80s.
He pointed out that the first Su-80 prototype was built in 2001. The second one made its maiden flight this June, and is currently undergoing refinement tests. The fourth Su-80 will be manufactured in early 2007.
"The Su-80 is expected to complete its certification tests in early 2008, with the fourth aircraft to be converted and sold as the first commercial aircraft after the tests," he said.
According to him, preliminary contracts envision a delivery of 50 Su-80GP convertible modifications.
"Six aircraft have been ordered by a Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky-based air carrier, while the rest of them will be delivered to various state-owned enterprises and establishments, including law-enforcement agencies," he said.
The Su-80 is designed to transport 30 passengers or three tonnes of cargo. It will replace obsolete An-24 and Yak-40 short-range airliners.