New Ukrainian An-178 military-transport aircraft will perform its maiden flight in April 2015, Lenta.ru reports with reference to Viktor Kazurov, Director of An-178 program, Deputy Chief Designer on An-148 aircraft and its modifications.
An-178 aircraft was derived from An-148/158 regional passenger liner and was previously viewed by Russian air forces as a rival for Il-214 aircraft developed in Russia (also known as MTS – multi-role transport aircraft). Specialists doubt that Ukraine will be able to launch the aircraft’s mass production without the assistance of Russian partners.
At IDEX-2015 show Ukrainian delegation showcased a number of Antonov aircraft, including An-70 transport aircraft and patrol version of An-148 jet able to use guided missiles and other weapons. Ground vehicles were represented by BTR-3E and several types of guided weapons.
IDEX 2015 show opened on February 22nd. It is held in United Arab Emirates once in two years since 1993. The total value of contracts signed at the show reaches several hundred millions of US dollars. The Russian display was organized by Rostec State Corporation; Russian delegation is headed by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov.











