Russia’s LMS-901 Baikal utility aircraft is continuing flight tests after being reworked with the domestically developed VK-800SM engine and AV-901 propeller. The program has not been canceled, despite earlier speculation, and remains focused on certification.
Developed by UZGA to replace the Antonov An-2, the Baikal is a light multipurpose aircraft intended for regional transport and other utility roles. The prototype first flew on January 30, 2022, before the program shifted toward a fully domestic propulsion package.
The remotorized version completed its first flight on December 24, 2025, and a third prototype flew on February 22, 2026. The aircraft program is part of Russia’s state aviation industry development plan and is tied to a government contract valued at 10.3649 billion rubles, divided into nine phases and scheduled for completion on December 17, 2027.
Technical targets cited for the Baikal include a payload of 2 tons or 9-12 passengers, a cruise speed of 250-300 km/h, and a range that varies by configuration and source. Certification work on the engine, propeller, and airframe remains the main objective as the program moves toward production.