On the 1st of April 2025, Gennady Abramenkov, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, answered questions from Senators at a meeting of the Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy. He discussed the current state and development plans for key projects in the aviation sector. Here are the main topics that were addressed during the meeting.
▌TVRS-44 “Ladoga” Prepares for Trials
A prototype of the TVRS-44 “Ladoga” aircraft is scheduled to be assembled by the end of 2025. Following this, factory acceptance tests and subsequently certification flight tests will begin. The “Ladoga” is an important project for regional aviation, and its successful implementation will allow for modern, competitive aircraft to be deployed on domestic routes. It is essential to ensure co-ordination between all parties involved in the project and timely funding.
High hopes are being placed on the “Ladoga” for the renewal of the regional aircraft fleet. The developers of the “Ladoga” are taking into account the requirements of current airworthiness regulations. Today, a large-scale effort is underway at the country’s aircraft manufacturing facilities as part of the co-operative programme. Quality of components and assembly will be a priority at all stages of production.
This project is of great significance for the development of the aerospace industry and the improvement of transport connectivity within the country’s regions. Crucially, the “Ladoga” must meet the needs of regional airlines.
▌LMS-901 “Baikal”: Price and Delivery Timescales
The cost of the LMS-901 “Baikal” aircraft will not exceed 280 million roubles. The first series deliveries of this aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2026. Deliveries will commence after the final certification of the VK-800 engine with a new propeller. The “Baikal” is positioned as a modern replacement for the outmoded An-2.
The VK-800 engine is a key element of the “Baikal”, and its certification is a priority. The new propeller will improve fuel efficiency and enhance the aircraft’s flight performance. Series deliveries of the aircraft will allow for the renewal of the fleet of aircraft in the country’s regions. The “Baikal” should become a reliable and economical aircraft for local air services.
Designers are continuing to improve the “Baikal” so that it meets the requirements of airworthiness and safety regulations. The Urals Civil Aviation Plant is creating an after-sales support system for the “Baikal” aircraft.
▌“Baikal” Refinement and the Future of the An-2
The snags identified during the initial “Baikal” tests were addressed as part of a “significant refinement programme” this winter. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the developer – UZGA – are demonstrating a serious approach to improving the aircraft. Concurrently, work is underway to obtain a type certificate for the An-2. This will allow for its service life to be extended and for modernisation to be carried out, including re-engining.
The An-2 is a legendary aircraft that is still operated in many regions of the country. Extending the service life of the An-2 and modernising it is an important task to ensure air access to remote areas. Re-engining the An-2** will improve its economy and reduce its environmental impact. It is important to preserve the operational experience of the An-2 and pass it on to the new generation of aviation professionals. The modernised An-2 will be able to serve the country for many years to come. This aircraft has proven its reliability and robustness in the most challenging conditions.
▌MC-21: Certification Stages
Certification flight tests of the partially import-substituted MC-21 [airframe 73055, serial number MS.0012] will begin in the spring of this year. The fully Russian version [airframe 73057, serial number MS.0013] will take to the skies in the summer. These prototypes are equipped with PD-14 engines. A number of approvals for the engine were obtained and its operating conditions were expanded in 2024 as part of the certification tests.
Simultaneously, the final configuration of the aircraft is being completed and ground testing of systems is underway. The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia has concluded a state contract for the performance of work for the period up to 2027. This contract aims to expand the machine’s operating characteristics and complete certification.
▌Superjet: Completion of Certification and Readiness for Deliveries
Certification testing of the import-substituted “Superjet” is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. Following this, deliveries of series production aircraft will begin. There are already 20 Superjet aircraft in various stages of completion in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. All of them are already joined-up. Import substitution of the SSJ100 is an important step to ensure the independence of the Russian aerospace industry. The completion of certification will allow for full operation of the aircraft with Russian components to begin.
Certification of the “Superjet” must confirm that the aircraft meets all the requirements of airworthiness regulations. Deliveries of Superjet will allow for the renewal of the fleet of Russian airlines. The import-substituted Superjet should become a competitive aircraft on the global market.
▌Tu-214 and Il-114-300
The Tu-214 is undergoing certification; nine systems of foreign manufacture have been replaced on the aircraft. The Il-114-300 is undergoing flight certification tests, in which two aircraft [tail number 54115 serial number 0110 and 54116 serial number 10-01] are involved. Certification is planned to be completed by the end of this year, with series production deliveries to begin in 2026.
▌Looking Ahead: PD-35, Il-96 and Wide-Body Aircraft
Active work is currently underway to define the configuration of a prospective wide-body aircraft. The Ministry of Industry and Trade, together with customers, is formulating requirements for the airliner and the required engine thrust. It must meet the needs of both civil aviation, which needs a long-range aircraft, and the state – the military have put forward their requirements for other types of aircraft; they need a unified engine for them.
The development of the PD-35 engine continues; tests of the gas generator, which will form the basis for a family of high-thrust powerplants from 26 to 35 tonnes, have been carried out on the technology demonstrator.
There are no orders for the Il-96-400M wide-body long-range aircraft from commercial airlines. However, the aircraft continues to be manufactured at VASO for the needs of state aviation.
** The option of resuming production of the TVD-10B turboprop engine in Omsk is being considered with a view to using it on the An-2. Abramenkov also said that the installation of the VK-800SM engine is being worked on after its certification.
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