The Russian Air and Space Force has taken delivery of the first three licence-built Diamond DA42T twin-engine training aircraft.
According to Yury Borisov, Deputy Minister of Defence responsible for procurement, there is a firm order for 35 such aircraft, to be produced by UZGA in Yekaterinburg. Seventeen more machines are slated for 2018 and 15 for 2019. Borisov said that in 2018 the Russian Air and Space Force will complete state testing of the DA42T derivative outfitted with Russian-made avionics.
The DA42T will be used by the Russian Air and Space Force for initial and basic training of pilots for its military transport aviation and long-range bomber branches. Development of a DA42 NG Twin Star derivative, meeting Russian Air and Space Force requirements, at UZGA began in 2013. The process hit delays and the current local production is about 30%, with the 100% target slated for 2019.
Alexander Mladenov
