Andrey Bagirov
Author: avianews.com -12/28/2021
The first flight prototype of the An-178-100R. Photo: State Enterprise "Antonov"
The state enterprise "Antonov" on December 28 officially showed the first flight model of the An-178 military transport aircraft in the An-178-100R version, which the Ministry of Defense ordered for the Ukrainian army.
The airliner was created through a global modernization of the An-178 prototype, which made its first flight in 2015. The aircraft significantly improved some systems and replaced Russian components with parts produced by Ukrainian, European, American and Canadian firms, Antonov noted.
The plane also received three additional doors. Now their total number is four. Additional exits will allow the military to be dropped.
The initial version of the An-178 had only one entrance door-ladder and a rear cargo ramp for loading containers or wheeled vehicles. The updated version can carry 86 paratroopers or 100 passengers, and can also be used for medical evacuation - 40 people on stretchers can be loaded on board.
On December 29, the updated An-178 will begin ground tests as part of the aircraft type certification. After their successful completion, the aircraft will be able to start test flights, Antonov said.
On December 29, 2020, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and Antonov signed an agreement on the supply of three An-178-100R aircraft.
At the moment, the company has already completed the construction of the first glider. It is already partially equipped with some systems, but does not yet have engines.
Assembled glider of the first An-178-100R for the Ukrainian army. Photo: SE "Antonov"
Assembled fuselage of the second An-178-100R for the Ukrainian army. Photo: SE "Antonov"
On December 28, Antonov freed the fuselage of the second aircraft for the Ukrainian military from the slipway to proceed with the final assembly of the airframe - the already built tail unit and wing will be attached to it.
The fuselage of the third An-178-100R will begin to be assembled in the vacant slipway.
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