RuAviation

Representatives from Rosaviatsiya (Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency), the Ministry of Industry and Trade, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), United Engine Corporation (UEC), and aviation industry enterprises reviewed certification testing progress for the Il-114-300 turboprop regional aircraft and the Tu-214 narrow-body aircraft featuring import-substituted components.

The discussion took place on June 30 during the tenth meeting of the Aircraft Certification Task Force under the “Civil Aviation” special project at the Russian Government Coordination Center. Rosaviatsiya Director Dmitry Yadrov chaired the session.

Il-114-300 Program Update

The Il-114-300 represents a modernized version of the Soviet-era Il-114 turboprop, designed to accommodate 64-68 passengers. The aircraft measures 88.3 feet in length with a wingspan of approximately 98.4 feet, featuring a maximum takeoff weight of 51,800 pounds and maximum payload capacity of 14,330 pounds. Power comes from twin TV7-117ST-01 turboprop engines producing 2,500-3,100 horsepower depending on flight regime, driving six-blade low-noise AV-112-114 propellers with 11.8-foot diameter.

“Flight testing results for the Il-114-300 have enabled removal of all operational restrictions previously imposed on the engine following its initial certification prior to aircraft installation. We are systematically working to extend service life parameters,” reported Stanislav Konashkov, TV7-117ST-01 Program Director at UEC-Klimov.

As of June 2025, two Il-114-300 test aircraft (tail numbers 54115 and 54116) have completed 116 certification flights, including 37 flights in the past month alone. Test pilots from the State Research Institute of Civil Aviation (GosNII GA) and the Russian Aviation Register conduct the trials.

According to Il Company Managing Director Daniil Brenerman, installation of a new anti-icing system is scheduled for summer, with passenger cabin interior updates planned for fall.

Following Dmitry Yadrov’s directive, Rosaviatsiya holds weekly coordination meetings to approve major changes to the Il-114 type certificate. Certification must be completed by year-end, with serial deliveries to airlines beginning in 2026.

Tu-214 Import Substitution Program

The Tu-214 narrow-body aircraft, manufactured by Kazan Aircraft Plant, received its initial type certificate on December 29, 2000. Western sanctions against Russian aerospace and civil aviation necessitated import substitution and certification of 15 critical and 30 auxiliary systems, including flight computers, Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS), and weather radar systems. Additional modernization encompassed lighting systems, electrical equipment, hydraulics, and flight management systems.

Certification testing utilizes aircraft RA-64509, manufactured in 2006 and previously operated by Transaero Airlines. After extended storage in Kazan, the aircraft underwent restoration and returned to flight on June 14, 2024. This platform will serve as the basis for continued modernization and development, including implementation of a two-pilot cockpit configuration.

During the task force meeting, Nikolai Vasiliev, Director of Aircraft Certification at Tupolev Company, reported that as of June 30, 2025, aircraft RA-64509 has completed 40 certification flights, with 14 flights conducted in the past month. Testing involves pilots from GosNII GA and specialists from the Russian Aviation Register, with whom close coordination has been established.

Both programs represent critical elements of Russia’s civil aviation modernization strategy, aimed at reducing dependence on foreign aerospace components while maintaining compliance with international airworthiness standards.