MOSCOW. Aug 25 (Interfax-AVN) - Joint state tests of the IL- 76MF Candid military transport plane are expected to end in 2005, a source in the Ilyushin Aircraft Corporation told Interfax- Military News Agency on Wednesday.
"The alignment stage of the IL-76MF tests that started in July is nearing completion. The entire volume of joint state tests is expected to have been performed next year," the source said.
The final stages of state tests are very expensive, despite a low number of required flights, he noted. "Some problems with funding brought about postponement of the general deadline for tests," he said.
The tests cannot be completed in 2004 because the first flying IL-76MF plane, which is involved in the joint state tests, requires replacement of the four engines, as their service lives have expired.
The engines' repairs are not considered expedient, as the plane is fitted with quite old PS-90A engines that have been upgraded to the PS-90A-76 level in the course of capital repairs and restoration, the source noted. "At the same time, procurement and installation of new engines require considerable expenses," he said.
The IL-76MF has several important improvements over the IL- 76MF, which is the most popular Russian-made military transport currently in operation in Russia and abroad, as well as over its civilian variety IL-76TD. It is powered by more economic and environment-friendly PS-90A engines made in Russia. The cargo compartment is 6.6m longer. The plane has a new sighting and navigation system. The maximum take-off weight is increased to 210t and the payload to 60t.
The IL-76MF has a cargo compartment volume expanded by 50 percent and fuel efficiency increased by 15 percent as compared to the IL-76MD. Its cargo capacity is higher 1.3 to 1.5 times. The plane meets ICAO noise and emission requirements.
The IL-76MF can transport up to 217 people in the single- deck variety and up to 305 people in the double-deck variety. Flight range amounts to 4,200km with maximum payload of 60t, 6,200km with a load of 40t, and 8,500km with a payload of 20t.