Russia’s United Aircraft has undertaken a series of flight tests with the Ilyushin Il-114-300 turboprop in regions of high terrain in southern Siberia.

The tests took place at Gorno-Altaisk airport, in the Altai republic which borders Mongolia and Kazakhstan.

“Conducting tests in this region allows for the evaluation of the maximum number of [operating regimes],” says United Aircraft.

It adds that the Il-114-300 conducted international flights featuring a stop at Baikonur, the location of the vehicle launch site used for Russian space exploration.

Ilyushin managing director Daniil Brenerman says the aircraft is “in the final stages of certification testing”.

“We are currently testing navigation modes, primarily those related to flights in mountainous terrain, evaluating the aircraft on international routes, and its operational capabilities at off-base and transit airfields,” he says.

“The tests are proceeding successfully. We will soon complete the planned work in Altai and return the aircraft to its base to complete the certification programme.”

Gorno-Altaisk airport’s operator supported the test flights with refuelling, power and other services.

“Participating in the testing of new aircraft is always a significant event, something not every airport can achieve,” says the airport’s managing director, Andrei Metzler.

“This confirms the high level of trust in our infrastructure, the qualifications of our personnel, and our ability to handle complex and challenging tasks.”