The latest version of the Spectra Tango training aircraft has completed its first flight powered by the Russian APD-520 “Lider” piston engine, a milestone considered crucial for advancing the project toward series production.
Developed by Spectra Aircraft, a company that is part of the S7 aviation group, the Spectra Tango completed a circuit flight before returning to its home airport. According to the company, the procedure went according to plan, and the aircraft’s systems operated normally.
The aircraft was flown by Vladimir Barsuk, a first-class test pilot from the S. A. Chaplygin Siberian Aeronautical Research Institute. A video posted on social media showed moments from the operation. The involvement of a professional specializing in this type of evaluation indicates that the program has entered a more technical phase focused on validating the combination of the aircraft and the new engine.
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The main highlight of this flight was the use of the APD-520 “Lider,” an experimental engine developed in Russia. The adoption of the powerplant represents a significant change from the early stages of the project, which depended on foreign components.
In September 2024, the first Spectra Tango prototype took off from the Torbeevo airfield in the Moscow region, powered by a Belgian 200 hp UL Power 520is engine. The following year, an updated version flew again after receiving modifications primarily aimed at reducing weight and improving its operational characteristics.
The first flight with the APD-520 now marks the beginning of certification testing for the Russian-engine configuration. If the schedule is maintained, this combination is expected to be close to the specification intended for production.
Aircraft was designed for pilot training
The Spectra Tango is a single-engine training aircraft with capacity for four occupants. The project could serve flight schools, training centers, and operators seeking a lightweight platform for advanced instruction. Before reaching the market, however, the aircraft must still complete the various stages of flight testing and demonstrate that it meets the technical requirements for certification.
Spectra Aircraft previously stated that it intends to begin series production of the Tango between late 2026 and early 2027. The timeline will depend on the progress of testing, regulatory approval, and the preparation of the industrial infrastructure needed to manufacture both the aircraft and its main components.
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Source and images: S7 Group | Technosphere Russia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
