The first prototype of the Antonov AN-132 multi-purpose transport aircraft became airborne for the first time from the Svyatoshyn airfie...
The first prototype of the Antonov AN-132 multi-purpose transport aircraft became airborne for the first time from the Svyatoshyn airfield in Kiev, Ukraine on Friday.
Developed with majority funding from Saudi Arabia, the AN-132 transport is an upgraded version of the Soviet era AN-32 transport featuring western engine and avionics systems that vastly improve the aircraft's performance, maintainability and navigation capabilities.
The 1 hour and 50 minute flight led by a joint Ukraine-Saudi crew was flown by Antonov test pilot Viktor Goncharov, co- test pilot Bogdan Zagorulko, flight test engineer Vladimir Nesterenko and Major General Mohammad Ayesh of Taqnia Aeronautics.
The AN-132 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW 150 turboprop engines rated at 3,781 kW each, driving six bladed Dowty R408 propellers.
The advanced glass cockpit is equipped with Honeywell Primus Epic 2.0 avionics system. Liebherr supplies the air management system and Hamilton Sundstrand supplied the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).
Range of the aircraft with the maximum payload of 9.2 ton is 1270 km, which can be increased with reduced payloads. It can cruise at 550 kmph and maximum service ceiling is 9000 m.
The cabin can be configured for transportation of cargoes like two light armored vehicles or 75 soldiers/46 paratroopers. The ramp equipped rear cargo door along with the onboard ceiling mounted crane system enable easy loading and unloading of cargoes.
The AN-132 retains An-32's hot and high altitude operation capabilities and ability to operate from semi-prepared runways.
Saudi aims to develop its indigenous aerospace capabilities through the program, who also owns 50 percent intellectual property of the aircraft design.
The aircraft will be series manufactured in Saudi Arabia, by Taqnia Aeronautics through transfer of technology by Antonov. Antonov will also design and construct the assembly line along with training local manpower.
