Published: 9/25/1998

Sukhoi is continuing working on the S-38L light agricultural aircraft powered by a single piston engine of 200-300 hp. The aircraft is intended for low-density spraying of modern liquid chemicals with a typical distribution of 5-10 litres per one hectare. To do this job, the S-38L will be flying at a height of 1 -15m. Boris Rakitin, general director of Sukhoi Advanced Technologies, told ConCISe that the S-38L will feature an all-metal construction, unlike the Su-26-family of sport aircraft which are made largely of composites. "To be affordable, this plane should have a list-price not exceeding $150,000", said Rakitin, adding that this is impossible to achieve if composite materials are widely used. In the basic version, the S-38L will be powered by the 210-hp M-337AK.1 engine in production in Czech Republic. Alternatively, a Lycoming or Teledyne Continental could be used. The first example of the new aircraft was supposed to fly later this year. A batch of several S-38Ls were planned to enter operational trials in March-April 1999. However, the financial crisis in Russia will most certainly cause a delay, Rakitin said. (IN998.6) (VK)  

Article ID: 275