Published: 5/22/1998

On 14-15 May, Gagarin's Aviation Industrial Association of Komsomolsk-upon-Amur (KNAAPO) invited representatives of regional airlines from Khabarovsk, Magadan and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to see the first-ever presentation of the Sukhoi S-80 twin turboprop commuter. Present were representatives of the Sukhoi design bureau of Moscow and General Electric of the US, (which provides CT-7-9B engines for the aircraft), along with officials from the Federal Aviation Service of the Russian Federation (FAS RF), the Defence Ministry and the Federal Border Guards Service. The delegates were shown the S-80 first prototype in the final assembly shop, which was being prepared for shipment to SibNIA in Novosibirsk for static tests before its maiden flight. Reportedly, the potential users proposed a series of improvements to the basic design so that the aircraft would more fully meet their requirements. KNAAPO says some of the invited operators have expressed a strong interest in acquiring the S-80. The company also claims that it has received numerous requests for the aircraft from south-east Asia, North and Latin America. The S-80 short take-off/landing (STOL) multi-role aircraft is intended for passenger and cargo conveyance on regional routes in accordance with the AP-25 and FAR-25 airworthiness requirements. The Sukhoi design bureau has developed several versions, including some for military use, such as for paratroop dropping, coastal and anti-submarine patrol duties. Also planned are a combi, medical evacuation, radio-relay and navigational training versions. Sukhoi says the S-80 can cover 700km with a 3,500 load and 2580km with a 1950kg load. In passenger version the cabin accommodates 26 passengers and two crew. KNAAPO and Sukhoi claim construction of the S-80 first prototype will be finished in May, and then enter flight test programme in the first quarter of next year. First deliveries will take place in 2000. (IN598.8) (VK)

Article ID: 163