Today, 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.
The An-178 military transport can be used for the transportation of personnel, delivery of weapons and light military equipment by grounding and parachute methods, as well as for goods transportation.
«Tomorrow will be exactly one year since we met at this workshop to sign a historic contract with the direct support and participation of the President, launching new aircraft into the sky for our Army and Armed Forces».
«We are seeing the first results of this contract today: the aircraft that will soon be flying off into the sky and serving our Armed Forces. A year ago, very few people were convinced that we were capable, that we were ready, and that we would do it. Today we confirm not only the capability but also the ambitions for new contracts: military contracts for the Armed Forces, for the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of the Interior.»
«So I am convinced that we have lots of work ahead of us. And let the new year 2022 bring us a lot of new contracts, a lot more work, a lot of new aircraft. This year Ukroboronprom’s production numbers have increased by more than 20%, primarily due to the construction of aircraft. That is why I would like to sincerely thank them for their work – Glory to the state enterprise Antonov, glory to all employees of this legendary plant, and glory to Ukraine! «, said Yuri Gusev, General Director of Ukroboronprom.
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.
«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.
Meanwhile, 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.»
Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, remarked: «The Air Force has been waiting on board for the Ukrainian military for thirty years. And it is good that it is a Ukrainian-made aircraft – An-178!
«We still have to go through a difficult path: preparing the flight crew, specialists of the aeronautical engineering service, so that we can master this aircraft, repair it and perform combat missions with quality».
In his speech, Ukraine’s First Deputy Minister of Strategic Industries Denis Sharapov highlighted that with the establishment of the Ministry of Strategic Industries, the state has become much more focused on aircraft construction.
As a result, the official said the Ministry, together with stakeholders, has developed a State Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of the Aviation Industry for 2021-2030, which was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine last fall.
«The implementation of the program to both promote and create new aviation technologies and materials, new jobs in Ukraine. Aircraft construction should become a locomotive for many sectors of our economy, » said Denis Sharapov.
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.
The state order for the construction of three aircraft was received in late December 2020 with the support of Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine.
The construction of aircraft to meet the needs of the Armed Forces is being carried out in accordance with the plans. The construction of the glider of the first of the three ordered aircraft has been finished. The fuselage, wing, and tail of the second An-178-100R were assembled ahead of schedule and the assembly of the fuselage of this aircraft was started.
The event taking place today was possible thanks to the coordinated work of the Antonov team. It is certain to say that this work was dedicated because it did not stop even during the growing pandemic. Our sincere thanks to all the company’s employees and our partners! There is a lot of work ahead, but I am sure that we will together accomplish all the tasks intended to equip the Armed Forces of Ukraine with new transport aircraft! «, said Serhiy Bychkov, General Director of Antonov.
