RuAviation

Construction of new production buildings, along with infrastructure upgrades and modernisation, continues at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. The construction of a garage complex for the Flight Test Department and the refurbished Building 142 are scheduled for completion shortly. These projects form part of a large-scale modernisation programme at the facility, according to the factory newspaper, Irkutsk Aviastroitel.

Construction of the garage complex for special purpose vehicles within Department 216 commenced last year. The contractor, Irkut-Remstroy, completed the task within a year. The building has an area of nearly four thousand square metres. It will accommodate parking bays and maintenance bays, as well as an administration and amenity block.

“At each stage of construction, between 30 and 50 of our specialists were involved,” said Roman Yesev, Deputy Head of Production at Irkut-Remstroy Ltd. “Initially, an excavation was made, followed by the construction of the foundations, the building’s steel frame, sandwich panels, flooring, roofing, and engineering systems. The entire complex is equipped with a modern fire suppression and ventilation system.”

He added that the work had to be carried out under certain constraints. The erection of steelwork, involving the use of tall cranes, had to be coordinated with the Flight Test Department’s flight schedule.

The parking bay is equipped with 12 roller shutter doors for ease of vehicle movement. It will house vehicles used for airfield sweeping, aircraft de-icing, and engine starting units. The maintenance area is equipped with an overhead travelling crane, inspection pits, and a unit workshop. The administrative block includes offices, rest rooms, shower facilities, and changing rooms. Completion of the works is scheduled for the beginning of May.

Concurrently, the refurbishment of Building 142, which houses the anodising and paint shop, is nearing completion. The project commenced two years ago and was complicated by the need to carry out the work without interrupting production. Modern ventilation, fire suppression, and electrical systems have already been installed. The facility is currently 99% complete, and is planned to be commissioned in April.

These changes will allow the plant to increase the efficiency of its testing and maintenance activities. The new facilities meet modern standards and create comfortable working conditions for staff.