The LMS-901 “Baikal”, a replacement for the Antonov An-2, made its maiden flight

The new light multipurpose aircraft LMS-901 “Baikal”, designed to replace the legendary An-2 “Kukuruznik”, started its flight tests.

The turboprop was presented by Baikal Engineering during the MAKS 2021 International Aviation and Space Exhibition. The LMS-901 is being developed on behalf of the Russian Ministry of Trade and Industry with the aim of being the successor to the Antonov An-2. It holds a great challenge ahead given that more than 18,000 aircraft have been produced since its first flight in 1947.

The Ural Civil Aviation Plant (UZGA) press service reports that the aircraft took off on January 18, completing initial taxiing, acceleration, takeoff, and landing tests. Chief Designer Vadim Denim stated that the tests conducted showed that the aircraft has good stability characteristics during takeoff.

This high-wing aircraft made of aluminum will be powered by General Electric H80-200 engines driving a Harzell propeller (four blades and a diameter of 2.6 m). Smaller and almost twice as light as the An-2, it will cost 120 million rubles ($1.6 million).

It ought to reach 300 km/h (186 mph) and travel 1,500 km (1,500 km) with a payload of 2t. (4,440 lb) and capacity for 9 passengers. Like the Antonov, it will be able to use short unpaved runways and has a new feature: the possibility of equipping it with electric motors.

Measuring 12.2 m long and 3.7 m high, the aircraft has a wingspan of 16.5 m, an empty weight of 1,980-2,040 kg with an MTOW of 4,800 kg. The modular construction allows quick changeover between a cargo or passenger version.

It is planned to launch serial production of the aircraft in 2024 at the plant located in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. According to plans, the production of LMS-901 aircraft should be 30 units per year, with a further increase to 50.