Antonov begins An-178 flight trials

[Zarvan]

The An-178 making its maiden flight on 7 May. Antonov has not revealved details of the wider flight test campaign, nor of follow-on production plans for prospective military customers. Source: Antonov
Antonov has begun flight trials of its new An-178 transport aircraft, some five years after the development of type was first announced.

The maiden flight took place out of Kiev-Antonov Airport (Gostomel) in Ukraine on 7 May, and lasted for approximately one hour. No specific details relating to the flight were revealed, neither were the timelines for the remainder of the flight test process or production plans for prospective military customers.

First revealed in February 2010, the twin-jet An-178 is intended to replace the An-12 'Cub', the An-26 'Curl', and An-32 'Cline' airlifters. The An-178 is, in essence, 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).

Specifications listed in IHS Jane's All The World's Aircraft: Development & Productiongive 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.

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Antonov begins An-178 flight trials - IHS Jane's 360

 

[black-hawk_101]

Will it be a good replacement of C-130s which PAF operates?

But I think PAF is more interested in acquiring more and more C-130s with upgrades.