The third experimental Il-114-300 aircraft, developed by PJSC Il, has successfully completed its maiden flight and officially joined the flight testing program for Russia’s new generation of regional aircraft.
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The aircraft is composed entirely of systems and equipment manufactured in Russia, the result of broad cooperation among the country’s leading developers and producers. The flight took place simultaneously with another experimental aircraft—the second prototype of the model—which is currently undergoing certification testing. That second aircraft completed its 100th flight today, totaling over 280 hours of flight time.
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The new aircraft was flown by an experienced PJSC Il crew: test pilot and commander Alexey Gazdiev, a Hero of Russia; test pilot Mikhail Kondratenko; flight test engineer Maxim Belin; and chief engineer Roman Stepanov. During the 30-minute flight, the team evaluated the aircraft’s stability, controllability, and system functionality—most of which were supplied by companies under the Rostec State Corporation. The flight included a parallel flyover of the runway at an altitude of 100 meters.
“The flight’s objective was fully achieved, and there were no critical remarks regarding equipment performance,” Gazdiev said after landing.
According to PJSC Il’s Managing Director, Daniil Brenerman, the addition of another aircraft to the testing program will speed up the completion of certification phases. “Serial deliveries of aircraft to operators will begin next year, in strict accordance with existing contracts,” he stated.
The Il-114-300 is being developed by order of the President of Russia to improve regional air connectivity, especially in remote areas of the country. The project is supported by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and includes restarting the aircraft’s mass production.
Il-114-300 Features
Fully equipped with Russian-made components, including TV7-117ST-01 engines by UEC-Klimov, certified in 2022. With increased takeoff power and a 4-ton-thrust AV112-114 propeller, it outperforms foreign competitors.
- Modernized airframe with expanded use of composite materials, new digital flight and navigation systems, and improved cockpit ergonomics.
- Capacity for up to 68 passengers, designed to replace aircraft such as the An-24, ATR-42/72, Bombardier Q-300, and CRJ-100/200 on regional routes.
- Capable of autonomous operation on unpaved runways, including airfields in the Arctic.
Coincidentally, the new aircraft’s first flight took place on the birthday of Sergei Ilyushin, the renowned designer who led the development of dozens of military and civil aircraft, including the legendary Il-14—a Soviet aviation icon.
Source and images: Telegram @uac_ru. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
