The UAC Il-214 Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA) is a medium-airlift military transport aircraft which is being developed by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia, and formerly with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India. It is being developed through an intergovernmental agreement between Russia and India.
The aircraft is suitable for military as well as commercial operations. It is being built to meet requirements of the Russian Air Force (RAF) and Indian Air Force (IAF).
The aircraft will supersede the obsolete fleet of Antonov An-12, An-26 and An-27s in the RAF. It will also replace the 110 An-32s currently in service with the IAF. The maiden flight of the IL-214 is expected to take place in 2014, with service entry planned for 2016.
According to regulatory documents, the MTA is classified as a strategic-tactical medium military transport aircraft ensuring transportation of a wide variety of different cargo up to 20 tons for a distance of 2,000 km from unpaved and artificial airstrips. The design provides for operation from high-level aerodromes in any geographical and climatic conditions, in daytime and nighttime, in easy and adverse weather conditions.
As a military transport aircraft, the MTA is designed for transporting and parachuting of military personnel, equipment and cargo onto platforms, and low altitude free-drop delivery of cargo.
The IAF is planning to procure 45 IL-214 aircraft. The RAF will acquire 105 IL-214s by 2020.
In January 2016, it was announced that the India's HAL would no longer be involved in the project and that Russia would proceed with the project alone.
Development of the IL-214 transport aircraft
Governments of India and Russia signed a 50:50 joint venture agreement in 2000 for the $600m IL-214 development project. The project includes design and development of the IL-214T transport aircraft and a 100-seater civilian variation, IL-214-100 passenger version, for which HAL will be the prime contractor.
The IL-214 was initially designated as IRTA-21 by HAL in 2003. It was later renamed as the multirole transport aircraft (MRTA).
Russia and India signed a protocol agreement in June 2004 to begin joint construction of the IL-214 aircraft. Engineering and feasibility studies were completed in 2004.
JSC Irkut Aviation and Industrial Association (JSC IAIA) was selected by Russia while HAL was chosen by India for the IL-214 project. HAL revealed the withdrawal of JSC IAIA from the project in March 2008. Ilyushin Aviation Complex (IAC) was selected as the new contractor for the IL-214 development.
The front fuselage, wings and avionics will be built by HAL, while IAC will work on the aft and centre fuselage sections. The IL-214 was displayed at the Aero India Expo held in 2009. The joint venture agreement was officially announced in October 2009 during Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony's visit to Russia.
In October 2012, HAL signed a preliminary design contract with UAC, stipulating that joint design work would begin in Moscow, involving 30 Indian engineers as well as UAC's design team. In February 2015, India cancelled its existing international tender on medium-lift military transport aircraft, formalising its intent to purchase the MTA. In March 2015, it was reported that international work sharing issues had slowed the MTA project's progress, though it remained underway.
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| A side cut view of the aircraft's cargo bay. |
The IL-214 will feature a high wing monoplane design, glazed in nose, T-shaped tail empennage, semi-monocoque fuselage, two telphers, a cargo winch and rollers comprising cargo handling equipment. It will be made up of sophisticated aluminium alloys and composite materials. The cross-section dimensions of the pressurized cargo cabin of the MTA are identical to those of the IL-76MD heavy military transport airplane and enable the use of all existing cargo handling, shipping and dropping tools, and infrastructure. The airplane is able to operate transportation missions independently (away from the home base) and can be dispatched for a flight by the handling team and a flight crew of 2 to 6 individuals.
The stepped cockpit will be equipped with six multifunctional displays along with two head-up indicators. It can accommodate three flight crew members including pilot, co-pilot and flight engineer.
The aircraft will also boast a rear-ward ramp to load or unload freight and carry out air drop missions. The 13.8m long, 3.45m wide and 3.4m high spacious cabin will carry 18.5 tons of cargo, 82 soldiers or 74 paratroopers. Approximately 60 severely wounded soldiers can be accommodated in the cabin.
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Turbofan engine and performance
The IL-214 will be powered by two PD-14 turbofan engines designed and built by Aviadvigatel OJSC, of Russia.
The engines are impounded to top-mounted wings. Each engine can generate a maximum thrust of 6,000lbs. Fuel consumption is 10% to 15% lower compared to that of conventional turbofan engines.
The PD-14 is fitted with a single-stage fan, a four-stage low pressure compressor, dual stage high pressure turbine, an eight-stage high pressure compressor, a four-stage low pressure turbine and an annular combustor. The fan tip diameter of the engine is 1.9m. The dry weight varies between 2,770kg and 2,850kg.
The IL-214 can fly at a maximum speed of 870km/h. Its cruise speed is 800km/h (540 mph). The maximum and ferry ranges of the aircraft are 2,500km (1,600 mi) and 6,000km respectively. The service ceiling is 13,000m. The take-off and landing distances are 1,300m and 1,200m respectively.
Estimated technical characteristics
Dimensional characteristics
Length, m 37,7
Height 12,95m
Wingspan 35,5m
Fuselage diameter 4,8m
Power plant parameters
Number x engine type 2 x turbojet engine
Engine model PS-90A-76
Top thrust (SI system, H=0) 16 000 kgf
Weight parameters
Maximum takeoff weight, 68 tons
Maximum payload, 20 tons
Fuel tank capacity, 24 000 litre
Aircraft performance
Cruising speed, 810 km/h
Flight altitude, 13 100 m
Flight range with payload of 20 tons, 2 250 km
Required airstrip length 1 600
Number of seats
Crew, persons 3 (2)
Military personnel single-deck version:
70 paratroopers
70 wounded
Double-deck version:
150 military personnel
Freight compartment parameters
Length x Width x Height, m 13,85x3,45x3,4
Operating life
Calendar operating life, 35 years
Number of flights 24 000
Number of flight hours, 30 000 hours