MOSCOW. July 13 (Interfax-AVN) - So far, the developers of a joint Russian-Indian medium-sized military transport airplane have not received any funds allocated from Russia's 2009 budget for the project, Ilyushin Aircraft Center head Viktor Livanov told Interfax-AVN on Monday.
"The state budget earmarks special-purpose funds for the airplane's creation in 2009. However, a range of procedures needs to be completed before this money can begin arriving and before research and development efforts can be launched," Livanov said.
For instance, it is necessary to specify a part of the two countries' intergovernmental agreement dealing with the founders of a Russian-Indian joint venture, he said.
"Apart from Rosoboronexport, the number of founders is expected to include the transport aircraft division of the United Aircraft Corporation," he said.
The Russian president also should issue a resolution approving the establishment of such a joint venture, only after which budget funds can begin arriving, he added.
"These documents are now being drawn up. All the necessary paperwork should be ready before the end of the year," Livanov said.
A new medium-sized military transport airplane "should enter the market" seven-eight years after the start of the project's funding, he said.
A Russian-Indian medium-sized military transport airplane is being designed based on the Ilyushin Aircraft Center's Ilyushin Il-214 project. The developers plan to equip it with two types of engines. PS-90A-76 engines have already been selected for such airplanes intended for Russian consumers. India plans to make its choice a little bit later.
The new airplane will have a designed weight-lift ability of at least 18.5 tonnes and a maximum takeoff weight between 55 tonnes and 60 tonnes. Its cargo compartment will be nearly the size of that of the Ilyushin Il-76MD military transport airplane.
The new airplane will be able to land at airfields located in highly mountainous areas, and it can be used in high temperature and high humidity conditions.