The Yak-152 light trainer aircraft for initial training of Russian Air Force pilots has passed factory and flight design tests, and in December 2023 successfully completed the state joint trials (SJT). This is reported by RIA Novosti with reference to the press service of PJSC Yakovlev.
State joint tests are an analogue of certification tests in civil aviation. The SJT is conducted by the Chkalov State Flight Test Centre of the Ministry of Defence. A total of three flight copies were involved in the tests and two for static ones at TsAGI.
During these tests, the main flight performance characteristics of the aircraft were confirmed. According to the company representative, the next stage of the project development will be import substitution of the Yak-152 engine, propeller and other components for Russian analogues with their testing in the “short term”.
The Yak-152 is a two-seat, single-engine aircraft equipped with the German RED A03T V12 engine. The machine is designed to train future pilots in the basics of piloting, including take-off, landing, manoeuvring and navigation. The aircraft has excellent manoeuvrability and stability, making it ideal for training novice pilots.
Yakovlev is currently working on import substitution of the German engine and is considering two main options: modernisation of the current engine based on Russian components or adaptation of the VK-650 helicopter engine developed by ODK-Klimov for the Yak-152.
When choosing domestic analogues, the company is guided by the need to preserve the already achieved flight performance of the Yak-152. At the same time, maximum unification of placement and geometry of the bonnet group will be ensured, which will minimise the amount of additional testing.
Earlier, in January, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade reported that the UTS-800 alternative training aircraft, which is being developed at the Ural Civil Aviation Plant, is being prepared for flight tests. The aircraft is performing runs on the runway.
The UTS-800 is now fitted with a General Electric H80 engine. It is planned that it will receive a VK-800SM turboprop engine. Certification of the propulsion system is expected at the end of 2024, the aircraft – in 2025.
