Alexander Grachev, Director General of United Engine Corporation (UEC), a subsidiary of Rostec, anticipates that the certification of the Ilyushin Il-114-300 aircraft, which is equipped with the TV7-117ST-01 engine that is manufactured domestically, will be finalized by the end of the current year. Following more than 100 successful test flights, this milestone was achieved through significant efforts to verify the reliable operation of all aircraft systems. The certification procedure is a crucial step in the process of introducing the aircraft into commercial operation and serial production.
The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) issued the type certificate for the TV7-117ST-01 engine in early 2023. This modern turboprop engine, which was developed by ODK-Klimov, boasts advanced technologies, including the AV112-114 propeller and a FADEC-type digital control system (BARK-65SM), resulting in an enhanced take-off capacity of 3,100 horsepower. It is well-suited for regional aviation requirements due to its free-turbine design, which enhances reliability and simplifies maintenance.
The first six serial TV7-117ST-01 engines are anticipated to be delivered by the end of 2025, following their certification. The production of engines is anticipated to increase gradually, with an anticipated output of six engines in 2025 and 2026, respectively. This number is expected to increase to 24 engines annually beginning in 2027. Subsequently, serial production of the Il-114-300 aircraft is anticipated to commence in 2026, with an objective of producing 12 aircraft annually by 2027.
Several significant difficulties are associated with the production of the TV7-117ST-01 engine for the Il-114-300, which have their root in the technical complexity and the legacy of its development history. Ensuring the engine’s reliability and safety has been a significant challenge, particularly in light of the fact that previous versions were associated with severe incidents, such as the Il-112V transport aircraft accident in 2021, which was partially caused by engine issues. This required a thorough modernization and redesign effort, which included the integration of sophisticated digital control systems such as the FADEC BARK-65SM and extensive testing to ensure compliance with contemporary airworthiness standards.
The certification process has been particularly rigorous. The engine was required to endure a stringent series of tests, such as resistance checks for bird and hail strikes, resource tests, and special tests in thermal barochambers to simulate extreme flight conditions. Additionally, bench certification was required. Additionally, components were evaluated for their ability to withstand external impacts and their resistance to fire. The commencement of serial production was postponed, and the certification timeline was extended as a result of these requirements.
Another obstacle is the transition from prototype and test models to dependable mass production. Over the course of several decades, the TV7-117 engine family has undergone significant development. Each new modification, including the ST-01, incorporates new systems and design features that necessitate validation through rigorous operational testing. Significant investments in manufacturing technology, supply chain reliability, and skilled labor are necessary to ensure consistency and quality in serial production, as well as to increase output from a few units per year to the projected 24 engines annually by 2027.
The engine’s design integrates modern technologies to enhance performance and maintainability, including a closed oil system and electric start. These features simplify replacement and increase reliability, but they also necessitate new production processes and technical expertise. All of these factors influence the gradual ramp-up in production and the careful approach to scaling up deliveries for the Il-114-300 program.
The Il-114-300 initiative is of strategic significance to the aviation industry of Russia. It is designed to replace regional aircraft from the Soviet era that are aging and to decrease reliance on foreign components, particularly in the context of international sanctions. The aircraft is engineered to operate efficiently on regional routes, including those with unpaved runways, which is crucial for the purpose of serving the extensive and diverse geography of Russia. Russia’s objective of technological self-reliance in civil aviation is furthered by the utilization of domestically manufactured engines and systems.
The Il-114-300 is anticipated to have substantial export potential in addition to its domestic applications. There is a persistent demand for reliable and cost-effective regional turboprop aircraft in the markets of Asia, Latin America, and Africa. These markets are important targets. By 2030, Russia intends to manufacture approximately 70 Il-114-300 aircraft to secure a portion of the domestic and international regional aviation markets.
In the past, the Il-114 program was discontinued due to limited production. The program’s financial sustainability and competitive pricing in both domestic and export markets are called into question by the significant investment required to revive it with a fully domestic supply chain and modernized systems.
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