Antonov Enterprise starts producing first pilot multipurpose An-132 for Saudi Arabia

12:20, 08.09.2015 1 min read

Antonov State Enterprise (Kyiv) has started manufacturing the first sample of its new multipurpose An-132 aircraft with a cargo capacity 9.2 tonnes under a contract signed with Saudi Arabia.

Antonov State Enterprise Acting President Mykhailo Hvozdev told reporters on Monday that the test aircraft of the new An-132 aircraft is being manufactured under the contract signed in April with Saudi Arabian KACST.

He said that at present, the company has finished the detailed design of the aircraft and has started manufacturing it.

"The first An-132 sample will be handed to the customer in late 2016," he said.

Hvozdev said that the An-132 will have western engines, in particular, PW150A engines of Canada's Pratt&Whitney, as well as aviation electronics and other equipment.

According to preliminary assessments, the internal need of the Saudi Arabian customer and its armed forces for the An-132 aircraft and its modifications is estimated at around 80 aircraft, he said.