Ukrainian heavy transport An-124-100 Ruslan aircraft with a carrying capacity of 150 tonnes of Antonov Airlines will be re-equipped with upgraded engines, the press service of Antonov State Enterprise reported on Thursday.
“Under the An-124-100 Ruslan aircraft modernization program Antonov and state-run enterprise Ivchenko-Progress with the participation of OJSC Motor Sich have signed a protocol of joint actions in modernization of D-18 Series 3 engines installed at the planes of Antonov Airlines and replace them by Series 3M engines,” the company said.
The press service said that the modernization of engines would reduce noise level and emissions. It will allow exploiting the engines within the specified life limit from 12,000 to 14,000 flying hours.
“Currently all new Series engines are being tested at the stand. Works to install them at the planes of Antonov Airlines will start next year,” the company said.
Antonov President Oleksandr Kotsiuba said that the modernization of the An-124-100 Ruslan aircraft;sengines is a top priority for meeting modern requirements.
