The Baikal light multi-purpose aircraft has entered the decisive phase before mass production – certification tests. First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov spoke about the new stage in the aircraft's fate in an interview with Kommersant. According to him, the project's timeline shift was dictated by the rejection of foreign components in favor of full import substitution.
The key milestone is set for the end of 2026: first, the VK-800 engine paired with the domestic AV-901 propeller must receive a certificate, and then the entire aircraft. The first production aircraft, as Manturov specified, will be used for aviation work – forest protection and aerial chemical tasks. The liner is designed to carry nine passengers and is being created for local air routes.
At the same time, the Baikal, contrary to popular belief, is not a replacement for the legendary An-2 "corn-duster". It is a completely new platform designed to meet modern requirements.
In fact, reaching the final stage of certification means that Russian aviation will receive a fully domestic light multi-purpose aircraft with clear and already defined commissioning dates.
www1.ru reported that the LMS-901 Baikal was refused certification with a General Electric engine.
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