Il-114-300 flown close to North Pole to test Arctic navigation capabilities

Flights from high-latitude archipelagos intended to expand operating conditions after certification.

United Aircraft has flown its Ilyushin Il-114-300 turboprop in the Arctic region to test navigation capabilities and secure extended operating conditions during certification.

The prototype aircraft conducted a series of flights from airfields on the far northern Russian archipelagos of Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land — lying at latitudes of 74°N and 81°N respectively.

“Special tests of the aircraft in Arctic conditions were carried out to maximise its future operational geography and potential basing,” says state technology firm Rostec.

Rostec subsidiary KRET developed the strapdown inertial navigation system for the Il-114-300 which was evaluated during the flights.

The aircraft flew to a distance of around 100km from the North Pole, says Ilyushin managing director Daniil Brenerman.

“We’ve always emphasised that the Il-114-300 was designed for absolutely all latitudes, weather, and climate conditions,” he says.

“[These] tests have confirmed this once again.”

Brenerman says the flights indicate that the 68-seat turboprop will be able to replace all older and foreign-built aircraft in the same class.

Further work to expand the operating capabilities will continue this year with high-temperature testing in summer while the aircraft’s performance on unpaved runways will be assessed in the autumn.

The Il-114-300 is manufactured entirely from domestic components and powered by United Engine Klimov TV7-117ST-01 engines.

“This aircraft is capable of operating in extreme climatic conditions, which is especially important for our country, with its vast territory and diverse climate zones,” says deputy trade minister Gennady Abramenkov.