Swiss agreement marks the beginning of efforts to get the Il-103 certified for Europe

Published: 9/3/1999

On 19th August 1999, a letter of intent was signed between ANPK Ilyushin, VPK MAPO, and the Swiss company, CIM Ingenia, to market the Il-103 in Switzerland and other European countries. Signed by the General Designer of Ilyushin, Genrikh Novozhilov, Deputy Director General of VPK MAPO, Vladimir Nungeizer and the President of CIM Ingenia, Ronie Bietrie, the agreement requires the Swiss company to certify the aircraft and market it to customers within Europe. After the completion of the preliminary discussions, a full marketing agreement was due to be signed on the 30th August 1999. The Russian side will then fly an Il-103 to Switzerland for the certification procedures and CIM Ingenia will begin the marketing of the aircraft during the three-month certification process. Under the agreement, CIM Ingenia will fund the certification. Built at the MAPO Lukhovitsky plant in Moscow, the Il-103 has had its fair share of both criticism and plaudits. It has been dismissed as under- powered and heavy, and hailed as one of the best-built light aircraft in the world. Unlike any other Russian type, it FAA certification and this has made it an attractive Genav property. Those close to the project consider that, to be a commercial success, the aircraft has to address some basic problems, including weight, since its battery alone weighs 50 kgs. Its 210 hp Teledyne Continental is also considered to be underpowered for the all-important US market, although Textron Lycoming is understood to be offering a 260 hp plant. There are continuing problems with the landing gear, which, with its castoring nose wheel, is considered to be difficult to steer on the ground. A prototype, with an oleo pneumatic nose wheel leg, was tested in 1998, but was reportedly still in need of further development, because of its size and weight. In terms of handling, the rod-actuated controls are believed to give the aircraft a superior handling feel over equivalent US aircraft. This reflects the designer and manufacturer's background in fighter aircraft, according to those who have flown the aircraft. This general quality is also mirrored in the construction of the all-metal airframe. The challenge of these refinements is going to be critical to the aircraft's success, as will the new marketing partner, who follows a number of abortive discussions that included companies such as France's Robin Aviation. Negotiations were further complicated by the historical lack of communication between the designer and the manufacturer, as to who had the licensing rights. CIM Ingenia will also have to deal with the issue of price. This was last reported to be $156,000, which is considered by some to be too high for the performance of the aircraft. It also overlooks the negative impact of its country of origin on prospective buyers.

Article ID: 828