Certification of the LMS-901 Baikal light multi-purpose aircraft may be completed in 2027, although the agency continues to target 2026. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Gennady Abramenkov during a meeting of the Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy.
Regarding the passenger "Baikal", based on the completion of certification, the current pace, and the amount of flights that need to be done. We are, of course, counting on [the completion of certification] in 2026, but I think it will still be 2027. We will fly the entire program, and if the Federal Air Transport Agency requires it, maybe more than once.
In parallel with flight tests, work is underway to form a portfolio of orders. The State Transport Leasing Company has already signed a contract for the supply of the first series of 10 aircraft. Another 50 aircraft were ordered by Aerokhimflot. These agreements will come into force after receiving a type certificate.
The aircraft is currently undergoing ground frequency tests. Their purpose is to record the parameters of the structure and eliminate the risk of vibrations in real flight conditions. In December 2025, the Baikal prototype took to the air for the first time with a new domestic VK-800 engine and AV-901 propeller as part of joint flight tests of the power plant.
Read more on the topic:
