RD-1700 powered MiG-AT due to fly for first time in early 2001 says MiG

Published: 2/10/2000

MiG has confirmed that the first flight of the Russian RD-1700 powered MiG-AT is due to take place in the early part of 2001. The engine is considered by some commentators to resolve the aircraft"s underperformance, due to the French Larzac engine"s shortfalls in terms of range, performance and ceiling. The aircraft is estimated to have cost $100m to date, out of a total programme cost of $200m, with the Russian state providing a small proportion of funding and the French, according to reports, 30% of the total, including a number of Larzac engines from SNECMA and Sextant avionic systems. The aircraft lost out to the Hawk in the South African competition, but is still regarded as contender in India, powered, according to recent reports, by the RD-1700 engine. Associated articles: www.concise.org 17th June 1999; 4th October 1999; 4th January 2000

Article ID: 1405