Soviet An-2 aircraft are already outdated, yet Russia's small aviation sector needs such light and reliable airplanes. Despite this, the focus should be on new unmanned platforms rather than trying to recreate the "crop dusters," said civil aviation industry expert Andrei Bludov.
He recalled that the market already offers foreign- and domestic-made models that are more economically efficient and safer than the An-2.
Bludov clarified that an hour of drone flight would cost several times less. After all, it does not require expensive fuel or a runway, and maintenance costs are minimal.
The aviation expert named the LMS-901 "Baikal" the main contender to replace the An-2. However, its development has already been underway for more than seven years, and the timeline for mass production is regularly being pushed back, Bludov admitted.
Let us recall that the "Baikal" is designed for 9 passengers, reaches speeds of up to 300 km/h, and is capable of flying distances of up to 3,000 km. The new aircraft is far more economical than the An-2.
The project is supposed to close the light aviation shortage on local routes, where outdated "crop dusters" are still in use. However, the main question remains its cost, which may prove unaffordable for regional airlines.