Image: Antonov An-178 debuts at Paris Air Show

Antonov copyright The Antonov's new generation airlifter, which completed maiden flight on last May 7 , debuted at the 51th edition...

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The Antonov's new generation airlifter, which completed maiden flight on last May 7, debuted at the 51th edition of Paris Air Show.

The first prototype of the new multipurpose freighter has already successfully performed a series of tests with total duration of about 40 hours.

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The AN−178 has a payload of 18 t, is its ability to carry all existing types of packaged freights (both containerized and palletized), including 2.44 x 2.44−m 1C high−capacity sea containers. This makes the aircraft an effective transport for logistics support and for operations in emergency situations.

In keeping with the best characteristics of Antonov aircraft, the AN−178 can operate from any runway, including runways with artificial pavement, unpaved airfields, and alpine airdromes.

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The aircraft operators from different countries expressed their interests in use of both civil and military versions of the AN−178. The market demand in such aircraft is estimated up to 1100 aircraft until 2035.

Antonov is also showcasing the design of the An−132 new generation light multipurpose transport, which it will develop with Saudi Arabia. The An-132 will be capable of airlifting over 9 ton on short- and medium- haul routes and is offered as a replacement to the Soviet era An−32 and An−26 twin turboprop airlifters.

This project will be realized jointly with aviation companies from different countries worldwide, including Pratt&Whitney Canada, General Electric, Honeywell, Liebherr, and Hamilton Sundstrand.

Antonov predicts a market for about 900 An-132s.