Ongoing sanctions against Russia have posed significant challenges in managing airline passengers due to limitations in the available aircraft fleet. To address this issue, Russia has initiated the revitalization of aerospace projects previously dedicated to passenger planes, repurposing them to meet domestic aviation demands.

Airlines have already completed construction across all segments of the aircraft, with a focus on models produced by United Aircraft Corporation such as the MC 21 and Sukhoi Superjet 100, which are currently vital to the country’s aviation industry. Additionally, the Illyushin 114 aircraft is set to join this roster, further bolstering Russia’s aviation capabilities.

Ilyushin Il-114-300 reintroduced in 2016

The Ilyushin Il-114 (Russian Илью́шин Ил-114) is a twin-engine turboprop airliner developed in Russia for local routes. It was designed as a replacement for the Antonov An-24 and made its first flight in 1990. A total of 20 Il-114s were initially constructed.

Production of the Il-114 spanned from 1992 to 2012. However, recognizing the significance of turboprop aircraft, efforts were made to enhance its development. Consequently, in 2016, it was reintroduced.

The company announced plans to restart production with entirely Russian components, scheduling a new maiden flight in 2019 and aiming for the first commercial aircraft to enter service by 2021.

Ilyushin Il-114-300 Experimental flight test

Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of “Rostec,” has resumed the flight testing of the Ilyushin Il-114-300, according to reports from Russian media.

The second experimental aircraft conducted its maiden flight from the Voronin airfield in the Moscow region. Lasting 40 minutes, the flight operated at altitudes up to 900 meters and reached a maximum speed of 230 kilometers per hour.

The Il-114-300 is an upgraded version of the Il-114, initially developed from 1986 to 1990 to enhance regional connectivity. It is set to replace the outdated Antonov An-24 on domestic flights within Russia.

Following a plan announced in June 2022, aimed at increasing the proportion of domestically produced aircraft to 80% of the Russian fleet by the end of the decade due to international sanctions after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, around 70 Il-114-300s are anticipated to be manufactured by the decade’s end.

Featuring a crew of two and a passenger capacity of up to 64 individuals, the Il-114-300 measures 26.88 meters in length, with a wingspan of 30.00 meters and a height of 9.19 meters. It has a wing area of 81.90 square meters and an aspect ratio of 11:1. The aircraft’s empty weight is 15,000 kilograms, with a maximum takeoff weight of 23,500 kilograms. It can carry 8,780 liters of fuel.

Equipped with two Klimov TV7-117S turboprop engines, each producing 1,839 kilowatts of power, the Il-114-300 achieves a maximum speed of 500 kilometers per hour and a cruise speed of 470 kilometers per hour. It boasts a range of 1,000 kilometers with a full passenger load.