The first data on the fact that Russia and Belarus may begin creating an allied aircraft appeared a couple of months ago, and now the issue has begun to be worked out, the project is at the stage of intergovernmental coordination. This was announced on the Belarusian TV channel STV by the chief engineer of the Belarusian 558th Aviation Repair Plant, Andrei Tuchin.
Of course, I think that this is a prospect for the near future. This year, the study of the issue has begun, now it is at the stage of intergovernmental coordination. As soon as a decision is made on financing the project, I think that this year the work will go at a faster pace. But, without even waiting for a decision, our company is working out all the technical aspects, cooperation options with our Russian partner. And we are already delving into the details.
The project does not yet have a name, but it is known that the allied aircraft will be equipped with two VK-800S turboprop engines. It will receive a non-retractable landing gear and will be designed to carry 19 passengers. The aircraft is being created in cooperation with the Ural Civil Aviation Plant (UZGA) and the 558th Aviation Repair Plant. The new model will replace the Czech L-410 aircraft in Russia, with the maintenance of airworthiness of which there are major problems after the introduction of sanctions.
Earlier, the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov, said that the allied aircraft will be certified in 2027, and will be launched on routes in 2028.