The fifth prototype of the LMS-901 “Baikal”, designated No. 0005 and the third airworthy example, has performed its first test flight at the airfield of the Ural Civil Aviation Plant (UZGA), part of the Union of Russian Machine Builders.
The test took place on the evening of February 22. Equipped with the Russian VK-800 turboprop engine and an AV-901 propeller, the prototype performed a full circuit flight over the airport and landed normally, marking another step in the aircraft’s certification program.
Before the start of flight testing, UZGA made a series of technical adjustments to the new prototype, including:
- Reconfiguration of the forward part of the cockpit to meet ergonomic and safety requirements in the event of an emergency landing
- Strengthening of the main landing gear structures
- Adjustment of the installation angle of the wings
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The changes are intended to overcome the tendency for premature disconnection of the landing gear during take-off in high winds. All adjustments will be further evaluated, both on the ground and in flight.
After the first flight, specialists began ground-based certification tests of the aircraft’s cable network. The aim is to check whether the installation meets the established technical requirements.
The findings and recommendations from the tests will be incorporated into the project until the completion of the certification process of the LMS-901 “Baikal”.
Successor to the An-2 with a focus on regional routes
The LMS-901 “Baikal” is a light multi-role aircraft designed for regional routes and a wide range of missions, including passenger transport, cargo transport and special operations.
The device was developed on behalf of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade as a replacement for the legendary An-2 in remote regions of the country.
Key specifications
- Capacity: up to 9 passengers
- Load capacity: up to 1,500 kg
- Maximum range: 1,500 km
- Maximum cruising speed: 250 km/h
VK-800 engine
The VK-800 turboprop engine, also developed by UZGA, is intended for several national aviation programs, including:
- LMS-901 “Baikal”
- UTS-800 (training aircraft)
- LMS-192 “Osvei” (Russian-Belarusian Regional Program)
- Re-powering of L-410 aircraft
Maximum power varies between 807 and 870 hp, depending on the application.
The first flight of prototype No. 0005 represents an important step in Russia’s strategy to nationalize aircraft components, especially in the engine segment, against the backdrop of international restrictions and the quest for greater industrial autonomy.
New Russian aircraft prototype makes first flight at UZGA
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Source and images: Telegram @uwca_ru. This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editors.
