MOSCOW. Dec 4 (Interfax-AVN) - The Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft has passed the first stage of state tests conducted under a program of the Russian Defense Ministry at the Ilyushin testing facility, the Ilyushin Aviation Complex press service reports.
"The first prototype of Russia's modernized military transport aircraft Il-76MD-90A flew over from the Gromov Flight Research Institute in Zhukovsky to Aviastar-SP in Ulyanovsk Vostochny for being upgraded upon the completion of the first stage of the joint state tests," says a report obtained by Interfax-AVN on Wednesday.
The completion of the first stage of the state tests gives the company the right to begin mass production of the first batch of this aircraft and its modifications, the report said.
A total of 38 test flights have been made to check the Kupol-III-76M (A) piloting and navigation system, its components, the fuel system, the autopilot and the radio. The plane was tested for the endurance of top speed and acceleration separately and combined.
The plane was tested with the maximum takeoff weight of 210 tonnes and the maximum landing weight of 170 tonnes and the ability to maneuver with one or two engines not working.
Aviastar-SP will install a new communication complex, a defense complex and internal and external video cameras, the press service said.
Once the works are done, the prototype will be subjected to the second stage of state tests, which will check its defense and communication systems and airdropping of cargo and hardware.
Il-76MD-90A is a modern military transport aircraft with brand new equipment, which meets the latest requirements of the clients.
The plane was designed by the Ilyushin Aviation Complex and manufactured by Aviastar-SP. Both companies belong to the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). Il-76MD-90A is the first prototype assembled in Russia. A decision to design and produce the modernized Il-76 in Ulyanovsk was made on December 20, 2006, consistent with an order of the Russian government.