RuAviation

The third Il-114-300 prototype, bearing the registration number 54116, has undertaken its maiden flight and joined the certification flight test programme. This aircraft is entirely assembled using Russian-made components. All the aircraft’s systems and avionics equipment have been manufactured at Rostec enterprises. This was announced in a press release from the United Aircraft Corporation.

The 31st of March 2025 marks the 131st anniversary of the birth of Sergei Ilyushin. In keeping with Ilyushin tradition, many new aircraft have taken to the skies for the first time on this very day. Warm, sunny weather prevailed in the Moscow region, which facilitated the execution of flight assignments on two aircraft simultaneously. Alongside airframe 54116, the second flight test example of the Il-114-300, registration number 54115, was also airborne.

The second prototype (54115) has already completed its hundredth flight as part of the certification programme on the 31st of March 2025, having accumulated over 280 flight hours. Airframe 54116 was flown by a PJSC “Il” crew consisting of the captain, test pilot Alexei Gazdiev, Hero of Russia, test pilot Mikhail Kondratenko, and flight test engineer Maxim Belin. During the maiden flight, the aircraft’s stability and handling qualities were assessed, along with the stable operation of all systems and equipment. The maiden flight of airframe 54116 lasted 30 minutes.

Managing Director of PJSC “Il”, Daniil Brenerman, noted that the addition of the third aircraft would accelerate the flight tests. This is critical for certification by the end of the current year. Series production deliveries to airlines are scheduled to commence in 2026.

The Il-114-300 is powered by TV7-117ST-01 engines and a new AV112-114 propeller, which provides 4 tonnes of thrust. The powerplant was certified in December 2022. It boasts increased power in take-off configuration. The aircraft also features a modern digital flight control system and improved cockpit ergonomics.