RuAviation

The regional turboprop Il-114-300 continues its extended certification program under extreme low-temperature conditions. In early February 2026, the prototype aircraft 54116 flew from the Moscow region via Irkutsk to Platon Oyunsky International Airport in Yakutsk, marking the start of a series of climate trials, according to the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).

The journey was conducted in two stages: Zhukovsky to Irkutsk — departure on February 6 at 21:20 UTC, arrival on February 7 at 05:50 UTC (8 hours 30 minutes), followed by Irkutsk to Yakutsk — departure at 07:47, arrival at 13:01 (5 hours 14 minutes). Upon arrival, ambient temperatures were around −22°F (−30°C). Ilyushin specialists anticipate even colder conditions, enabling testing in the harsh environment typical of Russia’s northern regions.

Weather forecasts for Yakutsk indicate extreme low temperatures over the coming days. On February 9–10, actual temperatures may drop to −43°F (−42°C), with wind chill reaching −46°F (−48°C). Winds are light, with gusts up to 11 mph (5 m/s), and precipitation is minimal. These conditions provide an ideal setting to evaluate engines, auxiliary systems, cabin heating, and passenger comfort under critical cold. Subsequent days will see temperatures rise and some snowfall, allowing assessment of anti-icing systems and overall aircraft performance in moderate cold.

The next two days present an optimal window for verifying all key systems at extreme temperatures. Later days offer additional opportunities to test in milder conditions, enabling systematic data collection and a comprehensive assessment of the Il-114-300’s operational reliability in severe climates.

These tests form part of an expanded certification program. Primary certification flights were completed in 2025, with documentation submitted to the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya), and type certification is expected shortly. Rostec representatives indicated that initial deliveries of serial aircraft could commence in 2026.

Originally, certification was scheduled to conclude by the end of 2025, but the timeline has shifted to the first quarter of 2026. Final stages focus on refining cabin systems and anti-icing capabilities. This year, the aircraft is expected to conduct flights across diverse climatic and geographic zones, including high latitudes, mountainous regions, and unpaved airstrips.

In late January, the Il-114-300 was showcased at Wings India 2026 with a demonstration flight. Indian company Flamingo Aerospace signed a preliminary agreement to acquire six aircraft, with deliveries potentially starting in 2028.