A highlight for the static display at this year's Paris Air Show is the new Antonov An-178 transport aircraft.
The twin-jet tactical airlifter is making its debut appearance outside of Ukraine during the event, which is set to run at Le Bourget from 15 to 21 June. This appearance comes just over a month after it began flight trails out of Kiev-Antonov Airport (Gostomel).
Set to replace the An-12 'Cub', the An-26 'Curl', and the An-32 'Cline' airlifters in the Ukrainian Air Force, the 18-tonne-payload An-178 should also be a viable contender on the international fixed-wing medium-lift market. Its nearest rivals will comprise the Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules (22 tonnes); the Embraer KC-390 (23 tonnes); and the United Aircraft Corporation-Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Multirole Transport Aircraft (15-20 tonnes).
Having first been revealed in 2010, the An-178's maiden flight took place on 7 May, though no specific details relating to the flight or test timelines have been revealed.
The An-178 is essentially an An-158 regional jet with a rear loading ramp (the two types share a number of components, including the front fuselage and cockpit, and nosewheel leg).
Development & Production give the An-178 a cargo hold measuring 16.65 m including ramp, or 12.85 m excluding ramp; a 2.745 m width at the floor, and a height of 2.75 m; a floor area of 40 m², and a hold volume of 125 m³ (both including the ramp). Its wingspan is 28.84 m, 32.95 m in length, and 10.14 m tall.
The aircraft has a maximum payload of 18 tonnes and a range of 1,000 km fully loaded. Its cruise speed is 445 kt, and requires a 2,500 m runway from which to operate.
No comments:
Post a Comment