RuAviation

In late November, the Ural Civil Aviation Plant (UZGA) conducted the maiden flight of the next UTS-800 initial training aircraft at its Aramil airfield in Sverdlovsk Region, Russia, according to the company’s press service.

Test pilot Alexey Yazynin reported that the flight met all mission objectives. “The flight was completed successfully, and all stability and handling characteristics of the aircraft have been confirmed. The UTS-800 performed predictably, and no issues were observed,” he stated.

Yazynin highlighted several operational advantages of the UTS-800, including low hourly operating costs, optimized takeoff and landing speeds suitable for flight training, and stable behavior at angles of attack approaching critical limits — ideal for cadet instruction. “The aircraft’s design is straightforward and tolerant of minor pilot errors,” he added.

This marks the third UTS-800 participating in flight tests. The first two serial aircraft, with tail numbers 06 and 07 (red), were delivered to the Russian Ministry of Defense for testing in December 2024. The first prototype conducted its maiden flight on October 28, 2023, also at the Aramil airfield, piloted by Yazynin.

The UTS-800 is designed for primary flight training, professional selection, and pilot development. Cadets will use it to learn fundamental flight techniques, spin entry and recovery, basic navigation, emergency procedures, instrument flying, and formation operations. The aircraft offers high maneuverability, substantial cruise speed, and strong climb performance while maintaining low operating costs.

The cockpit accommodates two crew members in tandem: the cadet in front and the instructor behind. The aircraft can also be flown solo without ballast if required. A G-suit is provided to enhance pilot tolerance to high-G maneuvers.

Currently, the UTS-800 is equipped with an American GE H80 engine; however, the standard powerplant will be the Russian VK-800SM turboprop, which began flight testing on July 14, 2025, using a Yak-40LL flying laboratory in Novosibirsk. Certification of the VK-800SM is expected by the end of 2027. Testing aims to prepare the engine for certification and subsequent mass production, intended for future UTS-800 variants and the LMS-901 “Baikal” light multirole aircraft.

Despite ongoing flight tests, UZGA actively promotes the UTS-800 at international aviation forums and specialized exhibitions. In 2025, the aircraft was showcased at IDEX in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Airshow, and Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX 2025). Exhibits emphasized the trainer’s maneuverability, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, positioning the UTS-800 as both an effective tool for Russian flight training and an attractive option for foreign flight schools and airlines seeking an affordable, modern trainer.