| The MTA will be designed to address
Russian military requirements and is slated for deployment around
2015. The variant for the Indian Air Force is included in the
long term plans of te Indian MoD. Three pre-production aircraft
are scheduled to be completed by 2010, the first flight is expected
by 2011, commencing with deliveries by 2013.
MTAs will be produced in two production lines, based in Russia
and India. Russian and Indian requirements are estimated at
150 aircraft. According to the group's analysis, by 2025 there
could be a market for 350 aircraft.
Several engines are being considered – two versions
of Russian made engines of the Perm Engine Company (PS-12 or
PS-90A) as well as a number of western engines. The aircraft
will be equipped with modern glass cockpit including navigation
and auto-pilot systems for automatic route setting (both day
and night), air-drop point navigation and 'blind' approach for
landing at rough terrain runways. The crew will consist of three,
two pilots and a navigator.
The program will be managed by a joint venture, equally owned
by Indian and Russian companies. The lead designer will be the
Russian company Irkut, with participation of Ilyushin Aviation
Complex, acting as the design center, with HAL of India and
Russian arms exporter Rosoboronexport will support development,
production and marketing.
|
On
January 2007 an agreement was reached between Russia and India
to participate in the development and production of the Multirole
Transport Aircraft, (MTA). The twin engine aircraft will have
a load capacity of 20 tons and will be designed for the transportation
of military and commercial cargo. The aircraft will be designed
to operate from most basic runways, including high mountainous
areas.