newstodate.aero
May 11, 2015 (newstodate): A new medium-haul freighter is taking to the skies and has already landed its first orders.
Now starting on a series of test flights, Ukraine's AN-178 builds on the passenger aircraft AN-158 and may gradually replace the world's fleet of AN-26 freighters.
With its first flight on May 7, 2015, the aircraft will have the capacity to carry 18 tonnes over 1,000 km, or 10 tonnes over 4,000 km.
Maximum capacity will be 18 tonnes, and the aircraft has on-board unloading/loading equipment.
The first orders for 10 units have come from Azerbaijan's Silk Way Airlines, and a Chinese company has also placed an initial order for two aircraft,airing interest in production of the aircraft in China as well.
Now starting on a series of test flights, Ukraine's AN-178 builds on the passenger aircraft AN-158 and may gradually replace the world's fleet of AN-26 freighters.
With its first flight on May 7, 2015, the aircraft will have the capacity to carry 18 tonnes over 1,000 km, or 10 tonnes over 4,000 km.
Maximum capacity will be 18 tonnes, and the aircraft has on-board unloading/loading equipment.
The first orders for 10 units have come from Azerbaijan's Silk Way Airlines, and a Chinese company has also placed an initial order for two aircraft,airing interest in production of the aircraft in China as well.