Ukranian Antonov has completed final assembly of the first An-178 airlifter prototype, ahead of roll out in April 2015.
The short-range medium weight military transport aircraft based on the An-158 airliner, is capable of transporting up to 18 tons of payload to over a maximum range of 4000 km. The first prototype will be used for flight tests.
Construction of the second An−178 has been started, which will be used to perform strength and fatigue tests.
The Antonov Flight Crew Training Center has completed training programs for test pilots, test engineers and technicians to perform further tests and maiden flight later this year.
The An−178 can perform logistic support, MEDEVAC, delivery of equipment and engines.
The most important feature of the AN−178 is possibility to transport of all packaged cargoes existing in the world, including large−sized 1C maritime containers. This makes the aircraft an irreplaceable transport for logistic support in commercial operation and in conditions of emergency situations.
The An-178 has the typical high-wing transport aircraft design with moderately swept wing, winglets and a T-tail. The airframe is made of aluminium alloys and composite materials. The fuselage is semi- monocoque with a circular cross-section.
The retractable landing gear consists of two main wheel bogies and a single nose wheel. The flight control system is dual duplex fly-by-wire system.
It will be powered by two D-436-148FM turbofan engines, mounted on pylons under the wings.
