The Russian firm that produced the Soyuz space rocket has shown off a new twin-engine multi-role turboprop at MAKS that could replace hundreds of obsolete flying workhorses around the country.
Samara-based TsKB Progress, says its Rysachok, which translates into English as Colt, is currently undergoing certification flight trials, after which it will go into mass production.
The company expects Rysachok to be used for parachute-drops, pilot training and medical evacuations.
"We have built five so far. The fifth aircraft is in certification flight trials. We hope to complete certification in 2012," says Yevgeny Gordeyev, the head of the construction project.
The plane was initially designed as a flight crew trainer for training Russian airline pilots. It can, however, be speedily reconfigured for jobs like carrying up to 1.5 tons of cargo, ten passengers or dropping parachutists, thanks to its large port-side door. It can also be used for search and rescue work.
The prototype aircraft are fitted with 760 hp Czech-built Walter 601 engines, but production aircraft will be fitted with a more powerful American-made Honeywell H-80 engine of 800 h.p engine.
Although Rysachok is rugged and simple, it has a modern "glass" cockpit like the latest airliners, ideal for training new pilots.
Gordeyev says the Rysachok will be capable of flying on one-engine in case of engine failure on take-off, and can land and take off on the grass airstrips found in remote areas all over Russia.
Take-off distance is just 300 m on a hard surface and 500 m on a dirt strip.
Russia has a potential market for hundreds of light twin-turboprops as replacements for the An-2, An-28/38 and other aircraft.
