Certification Begins for Russia's First BTS VAB S-76 Cargo Drone

A mock-up commission meeting was held at the Sukhoi Design Bureau, marking the start of work to obtain a Type Certificate for the BTS VAB S-76 civil unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The project is being implemented by PJSC UAC as part of the national project "Unmanned Aircraft Systems."

BTS VAB S-76 is the first Russian transport UAS for cargo transportation with a maximum take-off weight of more than 1.5 tons, undergoing certification at Rosaviatsiya. Type certification is a mandatory step confirming that the design meets safety and airworthiness requirements.

At the commission meeting, which was attended by representatives of Rosaviatsiya, the Aviation Register of Russia, PJSC UAC, and equipment development enterprises, experts familiarized themselves with the design, flight performance characteristics, and operating conditions of the unmanned system. The work was carried out in 11 sections, including the areas of "flight", "strength", "materials and manufacturing technologies", "equipment", and "fail-safe operation".

The commission analyzed the system's compliance with the requirements of the Airworthiness Standards and environmental protection, and also assessed the design's compliance with the certification basis — a set of rules guaranteeing the safe operation of the UAS.

In addition, the participants reviewed the Certification Work Program prepared by PJSC UAC. The document defines the scope and timing of tests — from laboratory and bench tests to flight tests — as well as a list of evidentiary documents required to obtain a Type Certificate.

Read more on the topic:

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• UAC Showcases Unique S-76 Vertical Takeoff UAV Live for the First Time
• A Replacement for Helicopters?: Large Drone with a Payload Capacity of up to 200 kg Developed in Russia