On Tuesday, December 28, Antonov State Enterprise, part of Ukroboronprom, displayed the first military transport aircraft An-178-100R №001 designed for certification testing. Experts and senior military officers took part in the completion of the aircraft’s construction and testing."Apostrophe" correspondent reports.
The An-178 military transport can be used for the transportation of personnel (up to 100 people), delivery of weapons and light military equipment by grounding and parachute methods, as well as for goods transportation.
European, U.S., and Canadian foreign suppliers are also involved in the aircraft equipment. A great deal of work was carried out during the implementation of the An-178 program to ensure a new qualitative level of all aircraft systems, including the hydraulic system, aircraft control systems, power supply, air-conditioning, and more.
The plane was inspected by the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov, Minister for Strategic Industries of Ukraine Pavlo Ryabikin, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant-General Valery Zaluzhny, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence Alexander Zavitnevich, Lieutenant General Nikolai Oleshchuk.
"This is a very emotional moment. Many of us dreamed of being pilots when we were kids. But the most challenging task is to build an aircraft, which will then be used by pilots. In my opinion, it is symbolic and significant that Ukraine demonstrates its defense capabilities through synergy and combined efforts. Today, the ceremony is attended by representatives of the relevant parliamentary committee, which is fully supported by the Armed Forces, representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Air Force Command, the management of Ukrobornprom and the plant, the Ministry of Strategy, and the Ministry of Defense. I am sure that this synergy is the key to our success. And there will be not only three of these aircraft, but there will also be more. We proved that we know how to build, we know how to fly and we know how to defend ourselves. Thank you very much for that," Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said.
"I sincerely thank Antonov employees for showcasing, demonstrating on metal that we are a team that does everything possible to improve our Armed Forces. Believe in the Armed Forces, believe in Ukraine!" said Oleksandr Zavitnevych, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence.
At the same time, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yevhen Moisyuk emphasized, "The Armed Forces of Ukraine need modern military equipment that will increase our capabilities and reinforce national stability. I am sure that this aircraft, AN-178, in the skillful hands of our pilots will bring victory to Ukraine."
Changes have been made to the design of the aircraft to ensure the landing functionality of passengers and cargo, as well as to perform other tasks of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.