Assembly of the first serial AN−70’s fuselage has been completed

On January 21, 2012, ANTONOV Company completed assembly of fuselage of the first serial AN−70 military STOL transport No.01−04. It was an important stage of this aircraft construction for MoD of Ukraine. 

 N. Azarov, Prime Minister of Ukraine, representatives of the customers – MoD of Ukraine and Russia, Trade Reprehensive of Republic of Tatarstan in Ukraine, heads of the enterprises involved in the AN−70 program took part in the event dedicated to the completion of the fuselage construction.

In his report about the program development D. Kiva, President – General Designer of ANTONOV Company, said: “During two recent years we performed a lot of works on the AN−70 aircraft. Together with our Russian partners we upgraded the aircraft, its engines and equipment. We have completed the first stage of the upgraded airplane tests. Yesterday modernized AN−70 prototype performed the 19th test flight. We have officially presented the aircraft to the customers to continue further joint tests. Within the previous stages of joint state tests, more than 650 flights were fulfilled. Till present, we completed static and fatigue tests, confirmed compliance of the aircraft’s service life with requirements of the tactical and technical task for the AN−70. The stand investigating tests were also conducted. We started transfer of the design documentation to Russia to launch the aircraft production at Kazan aviation plant”.

N.Azarov, Prime Minister of Ukraine congratulated collective of the enterprise with the achieved results. He noted, that Government of Ukraine considers the aircraft industry among priority directions.He appreciated the AN−70 advantages: “This aircraft is much requested on the market. It is pleasure, that we withstood competition with the biggest aircraft corporations. The AN−70 is requested, so, we have work and earned income. It means we provide development of the country and its economics. I have to note, that this program is realized in cooperation with Russia. This is one of the great cooperative projects and example of our interaction as it should be. I congratulate you on this stage, thank you for your labor and great contribution! Together we are creating and developing Ukraine!”