The Il-114-300 regional turboprop aircraft has arrived at Platov Yakutsk International Airport to conduct a series of test flights in extremely low temperatures, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC, part of Rostec) reported.
On Monday, February 9, the temperature in Yakutia rose to -30 °C. Specialists from PJSC Il are waiting for more severe frosts in order to record the lowest possible temperature during the tests.
It is in such conditions that the Il-114-300 will often be operated in the regions of the Far North.
The Il-114-300 card on the official UAC website does not specify the temperature limits for the aircraft's operation. Aviatus aviation experts clarified that the aircraft is allowed to operate at air temperatures down to –50 °C.
At low air temperatures, from –20 °C and below, it is recommended to select and install a special shade on the oil cooler before the flight to maintain the normal oil temperature when the engine is running on the ground and in flight.
An analysis of the weather forecast for Yakutsk does not confirm the presence of extremely low temperatures that create the necessary opportunities for testing. On February 9-10, the actual temperatures may drop to −36-38°C.
Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov added that the Il-114-300 will receive a type certificate in the next few months.
We hope that Rosaviatsiya and certification centers will issue a certificate. And then, of course, there will be a whole series of expansions of opportunities for these aircraft, because not all technical capabilities are certified at once.
Deputy Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Gennady Abramenkov stated that the Il-114-300 is completely independent of supplies from other countries. The aircraft has already completed the basic test program in Russia.