The Ural Civil Aviation Plant (UZGA) has received full funding from the budget for the production of the new LMS-901 "Baikal" aircraft, including for rectifying design flaws. This was announced by Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
According to him, the type certificate for the VK-800 engine and the AV-901 propeller is expected by the end of 2026.
The state allocates funds for R&D on "Baikal" in full, as required to eliminate all design remarks and launch series production. As for the deadlines, the shift to the right was a forced measure due to foreign partners refusing to participate in the project.
Manturov admitted that the initial phase of operating the "Baikal" aircraft involves a number of restrictions dictated by the priority of safety.
A new aircraft, especially a single-engine one, requires thorough "running-in."
The Far North will be an important direction for the LMS-901, where Soviet An-2 aircraft are still flying. However, aircraft designer Yuri Petrov claimed that "Baikal" is not suitable for the regions.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated that "Baikal" should be ready for serial production no later than the end of 2026, but the deadlines have already been shifted.