First modified Il-76TD-90VD freighter to undergo 50+ test flights before entering commercial service

Moscow, 18 August 2005 - Following its participation in the Moscow Aerospace Show (MAKS-2005), the first modified Ilyushin IL-76TD-90VD freighter is to undergo over 50 test flights to confirm its compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements before entering service with Volga-Dnepr Group by the end of the year.

The testing programme to monitor the aircraft’s performance against current and future ICAO noise requirements will be carried out by S.V. Ilyushin Design Bureau, accompanied by Russia’s State Civil Aviation Research Institute and the State Air Navigation Research Institute. The programme will be managed through operational bases at the TAPOiC Aircraft Factory and Zhukovsky flight testing facilities.

The second IL-76ТD-90VD freighter to join Volga-Dnepr’s fleet is currently in the final assembly shop. Modifications to reinforce the wings and install pylons for the freighter’s new engines have been completed. The second aircraft is planned to enter service in the second quarter of 2006.

The test programme has been launched within the ‘IL-76 National Project’ implemented by Volga-Dnepr Group, Ilyushin Design Bureau, Perm Aircraft Engine Factory and the Tashkent-based ТАPОiC Aircraft Factory.

The project aims to bring the new IL-76 freighter into full compliance with ICAO noise and emission requirements (emission of noxious substances into the atmosphere) and RNP-1 requirements for navigational accuracy. This will allow for the full return of this unique freighter to the international air cargo market. The project has been approved and supported by the Ministry of Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation.

The first IL-76ТD-90VD freighter will be delivered to Volga-Dnepr Group for commercial operation in November 2005.