Rostec and United Aircraft Corporation have completed hot-weather testing of the Ilyushin Il-114-300 regional turboprop in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, with ground temperatures reaching 42C. The results will go to Russian aviation authorities as part of work to expand the aircraft’s type certificate, after the prototype flew non-stop back to Zhukovsky near Moscow.
The programme formed part of certification work aimed at widening the aircraft’s approved operating conditions beyond previous cold-weather trials in Yakutia. The test campaign covered 22 flights and more than 30 hours in the air, including five aborted takeoffs using specially prepared brakes to simulate heavy wear. The aircraft’s domestically produced engines, avionics and digital flight-navigation system were also checked during the campaign.
The Il-114-300 is being prepared for broader service in Russia and other markets that require operation in both very cold and very hot environments. Completion of the heat trials adds to the evidence package for the Aviation Register as it considers amendments to the type certificate.