Antonov State Enterprise is developing new medium An-178 transport aircraft. Its flight testing should be started in 2014, UKRINFORM reports with reference to the Deputy Chief Designer of Antonov, Gennady Gabruk.

"We are developing the new medium An-178 transport aircraft and we are planning to start its flight testing in 2014", - Gabruk said.

The Deputy Chief Designer has unveiled some of the jet’s technical features: it will be equipped with digital avionics, glass cockpit and two jet engines. Its payload will be about 18 tons. Thejetwillbeabletouseunpavedrunways.

The new jet will replace An-12 aircraft, however, it will have larger pressurized cargo compartment. As compared to An-12, the jet’s speed will be increased by 225 km/h, operating ceiling – by 3 000 km and range – by 80 km (with 10 tons of payload).

The designers assure that both civil and military versions of this aircraft will be in demand. Containers, self-propelled and non-self-propelled vehicles may be transported in the cargo compartment. An-178 may also transport up to 99 service men or evacuate up to 70 wounded men. In addition, it will be able to perform airdrop of up to 80 paratroopers and cargo.

The designers believe that high level of commonality between An-178 and An-158 will help decrease duration of testing and speed up the launch of the jet’s serial production.