newstodate.aero
Jan 13, 2016 (newstodate): The Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer Antonov Design Bureau is considering options for modernization of the An-124 Ruslan freighters operated under the SALIS contract with NATO countries.
The contract between NATO member countries in the Strategic Airlift Interim Solution, SALIS, and the Ruslan company took effect from February, 2006, and provides for the stationing of two AN-124 aircraft at Leipzig Halle Airport, while another four AN-124 aircraft will be allocated upon request as needed by the NATO and EU members of SALIS.
Since the signing of the contract, ties between Ukraine and Russia have broken down, affecting the cooperation between the two partners on the Ruslan aircraft fleet as well, and Antonov is thus now evaluating methods for introducing upgrading programs including AN-124 landing gear, brakes and avionics.
Intead of relying solely on Russian components, Antonov is thus now seeking western manufacturers.
Earlier upgrading has facilitated the reduction of flight crews from six to four, and this process could go further with modernized avionics that will also reduce the operating costs of the missions flow for NATO.
The contract between NATO member countries in the Strategic Airlift Interim Solution, SALIS, and the Ruslan company took effect from February, 2006, and provides for the stationing of two AN-124 aircraft at Leipzig Halle Airport, while another four AN-124 aircraft will be allocated upon request as needed by the NATO and EU members of SALIS.
Since the signing of the contract, ties between Ukraine and Russia have broken down, affecting the cooperation between the two partners on the Ruslan aircraft fleet as well, and Antonov is thus now evaluating methods for introducing upgrading programs including AN-124 landing gear, brakes and avionics.
Intead of relying solely on Russian components, Antonov is thus now seeking western manufacturers.
Earlier upgrading has facilitated the reduction of flight crews from six to four, and this process could go further with modernized avionics that will also reduce the operating costs of the missions flow for NATO.