The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has moved to a critical stage in the certification of the new regional aircraft, the Il-114-300. To verify the reliability of the aircraft under conditions of extremely high temperatures, the prototype has been sent to Uzbekistan. Here, the aircraft will undergo a series of complex flight tests, the results of which will be key to approving the aircraft for operation in hot climatic zones.

Over 2,700 Kilometers in a Single Flight

The journey to the test range began with a long-haul flight. The aircraft departed from Zhukovsky airport in the Moscow region and arrived in Bukhara without landing. In 6 hours and 15 minutes, the Il-114-300 covered a distance of approximately 2,730 kilometers. This flight served not only as a demonstration of range but also as a successful stage of preparation for the main testing program in Central Asia.

System Testing Under Load

During the tests in Uzbekistan, the aircraft will perform more than 30 flights. The main task for engineers is to confirm that all systems of the Il-114-300 maintain full functionality under the aggressive impact of heat. Under such conditions, the load on the powerplant, electronics, and air conditioning systems increases manifold.

The following will be tested:

  • Powerplant and turboprop engines;
  • Avionics and onboard computers;
  • Auxiliary life support systems;
  • Passenger cabin equipment.

Special attention is paid to the behavior of the aircraft during peak temperatures, when cooling efficiency is critical for flight safety.

Significance for Russian Aviation

Tests in a hot climate are a mandatory requirement of certification programs. Without successfully passing this stage, it is impossible to obtain permission to operate the aircraft in countries with high summer temperatures, which significantly expands the geographical scope of the aircraft's application.

The Il-114-300 represents a deeply modernized version of the regional turboprop aircraft developed by the UAC (part of Rostec). After completing all stages of certification, the new aircraft is expected to replenish the fleets of Russian carriers, replacing outdated models on domestic routes. The aircraft is designed to carry 68 passengers, and its range at full load is 1,400 kilometers.