Antonov State Enterprise plans to start the construction of first prototype of An-178 transport aircraft in 2014, Ukrinform reports with reference to the airframer’s press-service.

The enterprise noted that the design work related to this aircraft is nearing completion.

An-178 transport aircraft (derived from An-158) will replace An-12 turboprops. One of the closest rivals of An-178 is the MTA medium transport aircraft developed by Russia and India (this refers to military transport version of MTA intended  for replacing An-12 and An-26 aircraft in the fleet of Russian air forces and An-32 – in the fleet of Indian air forces).

We remind you that Antonov State Enterprise said earlier that An-178 will perform its maiden flight in 2014.