In November 2013, the AN−158, serial number 201−03, of Cubana de Aviacion airlines, Cuba, went on a tour of Latin America.
During this expedition, following demands of the potential customers from the region, ANTONOV Company and its partner Ilyushin Finance Co. leasing company, Russia, conduct the airplane tests under conditions of alpine airfields. Till present, test crew of ANTONOV Company performed ground trials of the airplane at the airport of Latakunga, Ecuador, located at the altitude of 2800 m above sea level. After that, the aircraft flew to La Pas, Bolivia. There flight and ground tests at the airport located at the altitude over 4000 m above sea level are conducted. Completion of the tests under alpine terrain conditions is scheduled for November 22.
This expedition is an important constituent to promote the aircraft of the AN−148/AN−158 family into the market of Latin America. Antonov aircraft are well−known in this region owing to their reliability and flexibility to the operating conditions as well as to the quality of the airports’ runways.
For the inquiry: The family of the AN−148 and AN−158 regional jets of a new generation is being effectively operated on the regional routs of the different countries, in a wide spectrum of the climatic conditions. They work well both from runways of the best airports of Europe and from RW with bad quality of pavement.
Passenger airplanes with capacity from 68 to 99 persons and the flight range to 4400 km are the basis of the family. Special−purpose versions are working actively as well. On order of Ministry for Emergency Situations of Russian Federation a new model of the AN−148−100EM was developed, built, certified and passed into operation. Layout of the airplane includes: compartment of the Main passenger, business−class compartment and ambulance compartment where installation of 2 to 6 specialized medical modules is foreseen. The modules allow for the treatment of casualties in flight. To use the abilities of the airplane more effectively medical modules and some economy class seats can be transported in the baggage hold allowing for quick re− configuration. According to operator requirement the AN−148−100EM may be converted in any of 5 versions: Passenger, Command and Control, and three different passenger/ambulance configurations.
Three−cabin VIP−version of the AN−148−100EA intended for 39 persons is being operated in Russia, the especial squadron of the President of Russian Federation. The AN−148−300 airplane of a higher comfort capable to carry passengers at a range up to 7000 km is also being developed. The AN−148−300MP advanced aviation complex of maritime patrolling and counteraction is being developed on its basis. This aircraft is planned to be equipped with a complex of detection and processing the information of the above−water targets as well as means of counteraction to intruders.
Source / Author: Antonov
Photo: Antonov