Il-96-400M prototype aircraft completes first flight
According to the Russian Government, stability and controllability of the aircraft, operability of systems, the powerplant and landing approach radio equipment were tested during the flight
In February 2017, it was announced that Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation had signed a contract with its subsidiary Ilyushin Aviation Complex for the development of a new version of Ilyushin Il-96-400 wide-body passenger airliner to compete with the Boeing 777-9 and Airbus A350-1000. The Il-96-400M is the passenger version of the Il-96-400T cargo aircraft. Its fuselage is 9.65 m longer than the existing Il-96-300 passenger variant. The new interior planned seating capacity is 390 passengers. In 2017, the Russia injected INR 450 Crores into the Ilyushin Il-96-400M.
By January 2020, the first test-flight airframe was in final assembly and the wing and fuselage were joined, to be finished at the end of 2020 before a first flight in 2021 but by April 2021 it was announced that the aircraft will not enter mass production as expected because of “lack of interest from the airlines and the worldwide idling of the long-range fleet due to the pandemic”. Still, due to Western sanctions, on 15 August 2022, it was announced that the first flight of the Il-96-400M was planned. On 7 June 2023, the United Aircraft Corporation rolled out Russia’s future wide-body passenger airliner. It made its first flight on 1 November 2023.
10000 km
436 passengers,
58 Tons
Il-96-400M
A prototype of the Il-96-400M long-range aircraft has completed its maiden flight, the Russian Government said on its website.
The Il-96-400M wide-body long-range airplane has completed its first flight,” the government said. “Stability and controllability of the aircraft, operability of systems, the powerplant and landing approach radio equipment were tested during the flight.
The flight was at heights up to 2,000 meters and the speed up to 390 km per hour and lasted 26 minutes.
The maiden flight of its Ilyushin Il-96-400M, a stretched and modernised version of the four-engined airliner took off from Voronezh on 1 November for a 26min sortie. Five crew members were on board the -400M including two pilots, a navigator, engineer and test specialist.
Source: United Aircraft
Assembled in Voronezh, the aircraft lifted off on 1 November
United Aircraft says the jet, fitted with Aviadvigatel PS-90A1 engines, reached altitudes of 2,000m (6,600ft) and speeds of 210kt. High performance of its Il-96-300 predecessor but features additional capabilities. In the future, the new [Il-96-400M] will allow to develop and improve our competencies in creating widebody long-haul aircraft.
The modernised jet has a fuselage stretched by 9.35m over the -300 and is able to accommodate up to 370 passengers, according to United Aircraft, although the company’s specifications list the -400M’s length as 63.9m, around 8.6m longer than the -300.
New equipment fitted includes updated navigation and radio communications systems. “An improved navigation system will increase flight safety and simplify the landing approach process for crews,” says the manufacturer.
Source: United Aircraft
Featuring a stretched fuselage compared with the Il-96-300, the jet can carry 370 passengers
It says the development will comply with the latest European requirements for navigation capability, particularly for operation over remote areas.
United Aircraft general director Yuri Slyusar says the -400M will give the company a long-haul widebody product to complement its current aircraft line-up, including the Yakovlev SJ-100 and MC-21-310, as well as the revived Tupolev Tu-214.
Slyusar says the aircraft types are capable of replacing foreign-built models on networks throughout Russia. The Russian government has adopted a strategic programme of import-substitution, to enhance domestic aerospace production and rely less on foreign suppliers – a particularly key issue following the imposition of international sanctions over the Ukrainian conflict.
United Aircraft says the passenger cabin can be configured in various classes and includes a modern galleys and an in-flight entertainment system able to provide access to Internet and satellite communications. In one class configuration it can carry 436 passengers. The cargo version can carry 58 Tons payload.
Source: United Aircraft
United Aircraft says the -400M is fitted with upgraded navigation and communications systems
