Antonov has completed the draft design phase of the new An-132 airlifter, with the airframe design and equipment finalised. The new ai...
Antonov has completed the draft design phase of the new An-132 airlifter, with the airframe design and equipment finalised.
The new airlifter based on the proven Soviet era An-32 military airlifter, is being developed jointly with Saudi Arabia.
According to the contract, the Antonov will design and assemble the prototype aircraft, and demonstrate its capabilities in various geographic and climatic conditions. Following which a certification and serial production contract will be signed.
The aircraft will be serial produced in Saudi Arabia by Tagnia Aeronautics in a plant built by Antonov, manned by Saudi nationals trained by Antonov for production.
The first prototype assembly is planned to be completed in the second quarter of 2016.
The airlifter will be powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150 turboprop engines rated at 5071 shp (3782 kW) each, driving six bladed dowty R408 propellers.
The An-132 will be equipped with modern western sourced systems, including a Honeywell avionics, Liebherr life support system and Hamilton Sundstrand supplied Auxilary Power Unit (APU).
With a maximum take off weight of 28500 kg same as that of the An-32, the An-132 will carry an increased payload of 9200 kg, up from the An-32's 7500 kg.
The maximum speed will be increased to 550 kmph from the 530 kmph and range with a 6000 kg payload will increase to 3175 km from 1650 km.
The light transport plane will cater to various transporting needs of Saudi military and commercial aviation sector.
The intellectual property right of the aircraft will be owned by Saudi Arabia. The program marks the first transport aircraft program in the Kingdom.
