14:25 05.09.2013

Ukraine, Cuba agree on joint modernization of Cuban An-2s

2 min read

Ukrainian Antonov State Enterprise (Kyiv) and public joint-stock company Motor Sich (Zaporizhia) have signed a cooperation agreement on the modernization of a Cuban fleet of An-2 aircraft with the Cuban Aviation Corporation, the press service of Antonov State Enterprise has reported.

The press service said that the Cuban Aviation Corporation would create production facilities to re-equip the existing Cuban fleet of An-2s, consisting of around 140 aircraft, which will be replaced by the new An-2-100 aircraft with Motor Sich's MS-14 engines.

In addition, Antonov will supply the required tools and spare parts to Cuba under agreements with their manufacturers. Motor Sich will supply engines and their spare parts and Russia's Aerosila will supply AV-17 airscrews.

"If required, Antonov will organize the training of pilots and technical staff and the maintenance of the operation of An-2-100 aircraft in Cuba," the press service said.

The An-2-100 can carry passengers and cargo for local airlines. The aircraft is able to operate on small airfields with low soil strength, including ice and snow airfields.

The An-2-100 differs from its predecessor by the engine made and designed by Motor Sich. One of the advantages of the replacement is the switch from aircraft motor gasoline, which is not made in the CIS today, to aviation kerosene. In addition, An-2-100 has reverse AV-17 airscrew instead of AV-2 airscrew.

At present, An-2-100 is being tested for certificates.

This year Antonov also started supplying An-158 regional passenger jets with 99 seats to Cubana de Aviacion airline. The jets are being built in Kyiv under a contract signed in 2011 with Russia's Ilyushin Finance Co. (IFC). Three jets were delivered to the Cuban customer, and one more jet will be transferred by the end of the year. In 2014, another three aircraft will be delivered.

AD
AD
AD
AD
AD