Russian Air Force will soon need a new medium transport aircraft MTS

Source : http://www.ilyushin.org

Air Force Russia since the early 2020s will be sorely needs a new medium military transport aircraft due to the expiration of the life cycle of aircraft grade "Antonov". That aircraft could be developed jointly by Russia and India, multi-purpose transport aircraft (MTS, Multirole Transport Aircraft - MTA).

"Russia, these aircraft will be in dire need since the early 20s. Whatever we do, no matter how sought to extend the life cycle of the aircraft AN-12 and AN-72, their operation beyond 45-50 years impractical ", - said director of foreign economic activity of JSC" IL "Vladimir A. Belyakov.

Thus, Russia will independently implement draft MTS even if India for some reason come out of it. "Our air force have fulfilled the terms of reference, it is officially approved and introduced into the aircraft all the necessary documents. And what is important - the money allocated ", - said V. Belyakov.

India has identified the first order of 45 vehicles, Russia - 100.

"In India, currently 104 AN-32 aircraft. Even 10-12 years and will change the park. Light military transport aircraft CASA 295 that India plans to produce, does not replace the An-32, it does not have the altitude, and the size of the fuselage does not allow for the transportation of military equipment. For SWAT India has ordered C-130J. Now there are 12. But this is, in fact, flying ground attack with guns and machine guns, "- said V. Belyakov.

Competitors MTS project in the Indian market could be, in particular, the Brazilian aircraft KC-390, upgraded American C-130 Hercules.

Russian-Indian intergovernmental agreement on joint development and construction of aircraft MTA was signed in 2007. For the first time the two countries have reached an agreement on the joint financing of an equal share of the new project in the aircraft industry. Production of the aircraft to be deployed both in Russia and in India.

According to the regulations, MTA is classified as medium military transport aircraft, which provides a wide range of different transport cargo weighing 20 tons at a distance of more than 2 thousand kilometers of unpaved and artificial runway. It provides for the operation of aircraft with high-airfields in any geographical and climatic conditions, day and night, and adverse weather conditions.

As the MTA military transport designed for the transportation and airdropping troops, cargo and technology platforms becparashyutnogo relief goods from low altitudes.

In accordance with the decisions of the shareholders with the Russian side to establish a joint venture is "UAC - Transport Aircraft" (part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC)) and "Rosoboronexport".

As reported in June, the head of the United Aircraft Corporation Yuri Slyusarev, Russia calls on India to accelerate work on a plane, so that the first flight took place until 2020.