MOSCOW, November 1 (AVN) - A protocol on replacement of D-30KP engines mounted on IL-67MD Candid planes with more environment-friendly PS-90A-76 engines was signed on Wednesday, Director-General of the Ilyushin aircraft corporation Viktor Livanov told the Military News Agency.
D-30KP engines no longer match the Western standards concerning the level of noise and poisonous emissions in the atmosphere, Livanov said. That is why the planes with such engines are not accepted abroad, he said.
Besides, the necessity to replace the engines was caused by the forthcoming introduction of tightened poisonous emissions standards in Russia, the director continued. The standards are currently discussed by the Interstate Aviation Committee, Nature Ministry, Transport Ministry, Russian Aviation and State Agency and other agencies. They are planned for introduction from 2003 to 2005.
If the standards are approved, the Air Force alone will have to refit 270 IL-76 planes. The first two planes will be refitted next year.