RuAviation

Russia has completed another phase of certification testing for the Il-114-300 regional turboprop, with the aircraft conducting Arctic flights near the North Pole as part of efforts to expand its approved operating envelope in high-latitude conditions.

The campaign involved prototype aircraft 54116 operating from airfields in the Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land archipelagos. According to Ilyushin, the tests focused on validating safe operations and navigation performance in extreme northern latitudes.

Senior test pilot Alexey Gadziev said the aircraft came within about 100 kilometers (62 miles) of the geographic North Pole during the flights. The campaign also evaluated the BINS-2015 inertial navigation system, designed for autonomous operation in regions with limited radio navigation coverage.

Daniil Brennerman, managing director of Ilyushin, said the trials confirmed the Il-114-300’s suitability for Arctic operations, including basing at remote northern airfields. Testing included operations from Franz Josef Land, home to Russia’s northernmost airfield on the 80th parallel.

The Il-114-300 is being developed as a replacement for aging regional turboprops and foreign-built aircraft used on domestic routes. The platform is intended for both civilian and state aviation operators.

Ilyushin said telemetry data and flight reports from the campaign will support an expansion of the aircraft’s certified operating conditions, formally clearing it for Arctic high-latitude operations.

Mikhail Alekseev, chief designer of the Il-114-300, said the company is also developing a cargo version with a larger cargo door and reinforced floor for operations at remote Arctic airfields with limited infrastructure.

Additional certification work will continue through autumn 2026, including hot-weather testing and trials from unpaved runways. Brennerman previously said the aircraft is expected to enter commercial service before the end of the year.