The Il-114 is a narrow-body turboprop short-haul passenger aircraft. Developed by the Ilyushin experimental design bureau in 1990.
Overview of the aircraft and flight characteristics
The maximum passenger capacity of the IL-114 is 64 people (it all depends on the layout of the cabin and model). Usually, the aircraft has only an economy class with seats arranged according to the “2-2” scheme (as indicated in the diagram of the passenger compartment). In this case, the best places for booking tickets are the first, second and ninth rows (according to the scheme), and the worst places are the rows with numbers 16 and 17.
Aerodynamically, the Il-114 is a twin-engine turboprop low plane of the normal design. Plumage - single-chin. Also an interesting feature is the fact that the body of the aircraft for 10 percent consists of composite materials, which positively affects its strength, reliability and stability, and also reduces the weight of the aircraft.
The wing design allows the IL-114 to use runways up to 1600 meters long, and the built-in ladders make it possible to use it on unfinished airfields.
Flight technical characteristics of IL-114:
- Length: 26.9 m.
- Height: 9.2 m.
- Empty weight: 15900 kg.
- Wingspan: 30 m.
- Wing area: 81.9 sq.m.
- Ceiling: 8000 m.
- Flight range with maximum load: 1500 km.
- Engines: 2xP & WCPW127H.
- Thrust: 2 × 2750l. with.
- Number of passenger seats: 64 seats.
- Maximum take-off weight: 23,500 kg.
- Maximum landing weight: 23,500 kg.
- Max. payload: 6500 kg.
- Fuel tank capacity: 8360 kg.
- Takeoff run: 1400 m.
- Run length: 900 m.
- Specific fuel consumption: 20.8 g / pass / km.
- Fuel consumption per hour: 590 kg.
- Interior width: 2.3 m.
The history of the aircraft and operation
The beginning of the 80s of the 20th century for civil aviation of the USSR is characterized by the strong position of the An-24 on domestic passenger flights. However, in view of the fact that this aircraft was already almost morally obsolete and did not meet the ever-increasing requirements and volumes of passenger traffic, the Ilyushin Design Bureau decided to start developing a new turboprop aircraft that could replace the An-24. Also, in case of success of the project, it was planned to replace the outdated Tu-134 and Yak-40, also used in the civil air fleet of the USSR, with a new aircraft. In 1986, the USSR Council of Ministers issued a decree on the beginning of the development of such an aircraft.
The creation of a new passenger aircraft, soon after the start of development, called the IL-118, was also stimulated by the fact that this type of aircraft was also designed abroad at the same time. It was planned that, if possible, the IL-114 will be supplied to the countries of the socialist camp.
By early 1990, the first sample of the IL-114 was released, and in the spring it passed its first flight. In this flight, the car proved itself well, and soon began its tests. It is worth noting that the plane was tested in various climatic conditions that only Russia could provide. Also, the IL-114 was demonstrated at aviation exhibitions, where it was greeted positively.
However, due to the lack of funding, as well as the difficult situation in the country, the new aircraft was certified only in the spring of 1997. It was originally planned to launch the first batch of IL-114 serial production in the amount of 100 vehicles. However, in reality, as of 2012, only 20 IL-114 were produced, of which two never flew at all. All this happened due to the fact that the main customer - SZATK Vyborg airline - ceased operations. After that, the main exploiter of the Il-114 was the Uzbek airline Uzbek Airlines, which, as of 2014, had 7 aircraft in its fleet.
During 2014-2015, attempts were made to resume the serial production of the IL-114. Also in the summer of 2014, the President of the Russian Federation, V. V. Putin, made a proposal to start developing a new turboprop aircraft, which was to become an improved modification of the IL-114. However, all attempts to "reanimate" the plane failed (mostly because of the high costs of resuming production and development) and were rejected.
At the end of 2018 - the beginning of 2018, information appeared about the resumption of production of the IL-114 at a plant in Nizhny Novgorod in cooperation with the Tashkent Aircraft Building Plant. During the whole of 2018, design and preparation for mass production went on, which ended only in the fall.
As a conclusion, it can be noted that if the financing of the program for the production of the IL-114, as well as the creation of its new modifications, is not stopped or curtailed, the aircraft will have great prospects, both in the domestic market and abroad. First of all, this concerns the countries of South-East Asia and Latin America. The latest news only confirms that the development of new modifications of the Tu-114 will be resumed.
Modifications IL-114
At present, 13 modifications of IL-114 have been produced or developed (is being developed).
- IL-114 - a basic modification of the aircraft, equipped with engines PW127H company Pratt & Whitney.
- IL-114-100 - modification of the aircraft with improved performance (increased operational efficiency and increased flight range). Another designation of the model - IL-114RS.
- IL-114-300 - modification of IL-114, equipped with more powerful engines (TB7-117CM), as well as an improved system of on-board electronics.
- IL-114LL - modification, equipped as a flying laboratory for testing radar systems.
- Il-114M - modification with more powerful TV7-117CM engines and increased take-off weight. Currently being designed.
- IL-114MA is a modification equipped with Pratt & Whitney engines and having increased passenger capacity (over 70 people). In project.
- IL-114MP - modification of IL-114, converted into a marine patrol aircraft. It can also fight against torpedo boats and enemy submarines. Currently being designed.
- IL-114P - Patrol modification IL-114, designed to protect the water lines. Equipped with a complex "Swift". Designed by.
- IL-114PR - modification of the aircraft, equipped and intended for conducting electronic warfare and reconnaissance. In project.
- IL-114T - cargo modification of the aircraft, equipped with a cargo cabin, as well as having an increased payload.
- IL-114FK - modification of IL-114, intended for conducting reconnaissance and mapping operations. Currently under development.
- IL-140 - a modification designed to work to ensure control over the air situation. In project.
- IL-140M - version IL-140 for the needs of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Currently in draft.
The advantages and disadvantages of IL-114
The main advantage of this aircraft is its efficiency in maintenance and operation, as well as simplicity to the quality of the runway. So, having a stable chassis and built-in ladder, the IL-114 is able to make flights even to remote parts of the country, thanks to which it very quickly acquired the respectful nickname of a “village” aircraft.
The newest domestic system of on-board electronics can significantly facilitate the work of the crew, and also seriously increases the reliability of the aircraft.
The main disadvantage of the passenger aircraft IL-114 is precisely the economic factor. Being developed in the late 80s - early 90s of the XX century, the aircraft today requires large sums of money for the restoration of mass production, as well as the development of new modifications, without which it is doomed to rapid moral obsolescence.
Nevertheless, this model is very successful both for its time and for today.
Conclusion
IL-114 is a very convenient and unpretentious modest worker of passenger air traffic. Its reliability, ease of operation and efficiency have been rightfully appreciated by Uzbek Airlines, so these aircraft are still used there in the arid climate of Uzbekistan. Frankly speaking, this plane was simply “unlucky” - it appeared at a difficult time for the state, when entire sectors of the economy collapsed, and no one had seen anything before the IL-114. This is exactly what played a cruel joke with the plane. However, time will tell and clarify the future prospects of the IL-114. And only recently (autumn 2018), the news about the possible reincarnation of this aircraft is encouraging.
