Mass production of L-410 NG aircraft should be started in 2017

Certification tests of the new regional aircraft L-410 NG carried out in Kunovice (Czech Republic) will take around 1,5 years, TASS reports with reference to Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC), which owns the manufacturer of this aircraft - Aircraft Industries, a.s.

“Testing of the aircraft, its systems and components will take around 1,5 years. The start of its mass production is scheduled for 2017. The company is going to manufacture up to 30 aircraft per year,” the holding company’s press-service noted.

L-410 NG performed its maiden flight in late July 2015. “We have to complete a number of flight tests in order to obtain permission required to launch mass production and start flying in Russia. The aircraft performance is being verified, functionality of control system, engines, fuel system, avionics suite and navigation system is being checked,” the company added.

L-410 NG is the upgraded version of L-410 UVP-E20 aircraft manufactured by Aircraft Industries. Compared to the previous generation the new vehicle’s payload was increased by 400 kg and its front cargo compartment is twice as large as its predecessor’s one. Thanks to larger integrated fuel tanks, which are part of the new wing, the aircraft’s range reached 2 500 km and maximum duration of flight – 10 hours. The engine’s takeoff power increased to 850 h.p.; in addition, the new engine features lower noise level and fuel consumption. The cockpit was also upgraded and fitted with G3000 avionics suite, which is also installed on state-of-the-art passenger aircraft and business jets.

A mock-up of the vehicle’s cabin was presented at Innoporm-2015 exhibition for the first time ever. In early July Chairman of the Russian government Dmitry Medvedev and Vice Premier Dmitry Rogozin inspected the mock-up. “Upgrade of the aircraft took several years; 12 thousand new parts were created. For example, the fuselage is manufactured in Kamensk-Uralskiy. The only thing delivered from USA is engine, but this is less than 10% of the overall parts,” Director of the UMMC legal department Timur Azerniy said.

UMMC purchased 100% of Aircraft Industries’ shares in 2008; 45 L-410 aircraft were delivered to Russia since that time.

UMMC is the Russia’s largest manufacturer of copper. The holding company comprises over 40 enterprises located in 15 regions of Russia, Czech Republic and Serbia. Its staff comprises over 80 thousand employees.