MOSCOW. Aug 27 (Interfax-AVN) - Certification tests of the TU-204-300 long-haul passenger plane are nearing their end, a competent source in the Russian defense industry told Interfax- Military News Agency Friday.
"The certification of the baseline configuration may complete already this September or November," he said.
According to him, the more intensive character of the certification tests is explained by the fact that the Ulyanovsk- based Aviastar-SP enterprise, where the TU-204 family is in mass production, must deliver the first serial TU-204-300 to the Vladivostok-Avia air carrier before year-end.
He also said that two configurations of the aircraft would be certified. The second version will feature a new piloting and navigating system. "The tests of the aircraft with new avionics is scheduled for the end of the year," the source said.
According to him, the first stage of the certification tests will result in the certification of an aircraft with three-man cockpit. "However, many air carriers would like to have cockpits for two crewmembers only. This version is planned to see the second stage of the tests," he added.
As soon as the two-man cockpit version is certified, the TU- 204 passenger and cargo aircraft are expected to be modified into such a configuration.