The Il-114-300 successfully completed heat tests in Uzbekistan, confirming its readiness for operation in the southern regions. The aircraft withstood temperatures of 42°C, completing 22 flights and 30 hours in the air. The aircraft had previously proven its reliability in extreme cold in Yakutia. The data obtained will allow for the expansion of its type certificate. The Il-114-300 is fully equipped with domestic engines and avionics and is designed to operate in any climate, from the Arctic to the tropics, according to a statement from the Rostec State Corporation press service.
The test aircraft arrived at the Gromov Flight Research Institute airfield in Zhukovsky, near Moscow, after a nonstop flight from Bukhara. In Uzbekistan, the aircraft’s systems were tested at ground temperatures of up to 42°C.
The testing program was designed to fully evaluate the aircraft’s performance in challenging climatic conditions. A total of 22 flights were conducted, totaling over 30 hours in the air. Particular attention was paid to assessing takeoff and landing performance. Five rejected takeoffs were performed, including with specially prepared brakes simulating extremely worn brake discs, which is crucial for confirming the aircraft’s safety.
«High-temperature testing is an important part of the work to expand the Il-114-300’s type certificate. The results obtained will confirm the aircraft’s suitability for operation in a wider range of climatic conditions,» said Gennady Abramenkov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia.
«The successful completion of these tests confirmed the Il-114-300’s readiness for operation in southern regions with hot climates.» The aircraft is equipped with domestically produced engines, avionics, and a digital flight and navigation system, which have once again proven their suitability for both extreme cold and heat. The data from the Bukhara tests, along with the results of tests conducted in extremely low temperatures in Yakutia, will be submitted to the Russian Aviation Register for review, verification, and subsequent amendments to the type certificate,» Rostec noted.
This summer, the Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia (Rosaviatsia) awarded the type certificate for the Il-114-300 regional turboprop aircraft. This document confirms the aircraft’s compliance with airworthiness standards and specified technical specifications, and allows for the commencement of serial production. Production will take place at the Lukhovitsy Aviation Plant, where three serial aircraft are in various stages of completion.
The Russian-made Il-114-300 turboprop is designed to develop regional air travel and operate in a wide range of climates—from Arctic latitudes and Siberian frosts to mountainous terrain and regions with tropical, subtropical, and hot climates. The aircraft can operate autonomously from small airfields, regardless of the level of their ground infrastructure, including short runways. The aircraft is built entirely from domestic components and is powered by TV7-117ST-01 engines developed by the United Engine Corporation (UEC) of Rostec.