Iran Launches Tests of Upgraded An-140 Simorgh Aircraft

Iran has begun certification tests of the Simorgh light transport aircraft, a deeply modernized version of the Soviet An-140. Work on the project is underway at the HESA plant in Shahin Shahr, and type certification from the Iranian Civil Aviation Organization is expected in 2026. The aircraft is scheduled to be put into operation from 2027.

Initially, it was planned to produce up to 12 passenger aircraft per month, but due to sanctions, technical difficulties, and accidents, the program was curtailed. In total, about 14 IrAn-140s were built in Iran, of which only a few were operated. After the cessation of flights of the passenger version in 2014, Iranian engineers focused on the cargo modification, which was named "Simorgh."

The new version received a cargo ramp, a reinforced fuselage, and improved systems. Despite problems with the supply of TV3-117VMA-SBM1 engines, Iranian specialists continue to maintain the airworthiness of existing machines.

The aircraft, based on the An-140T, is capable of carrying up to 6 tons of cargo over a distance of over 1800 km. Experts believe that even with limited resources, the Simorgh can become a working solution for Iran's domestic logistics and ensure the loading of local aircraft factories.

Earlier,www1.ru reported thatthe Il-96-400T cargo plane was tested over Yakutsk after a landing gear accident.

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