Volga-Dnepr and Antonov Design Bureau (ADB) expressed their intention to extend their fleets with modernized AN-124-100 and 150 freighters and place an order for 17 freighters.
ADB also confirmed they had joined the ranks of shareholders of GLA Cargo Aircraft, the joint venture established in December 2006 by Volga-Dnepr and Motor Sich to manage the AN-124-100 resumed production project.
The current agreement redefines the terms of the AN-124-100 modernization, and the stages are now:
Installation of brand new navigation systems.
Development of design documents and blueprints for the modernized freighter equipped with 820 complex.
Introduction of a modernized brake system and reverse thrust.
Further application of noise reduction system.
According to the ADB, the AN-124-100 is the only freighter to carry cargoes up to 150 tons and 6.5 meters (21.3 feet) in diameter.
In other news, Volga-Dnepr Group signed a firm order with MAK Ilyushin, a business unit of United Aircraft Corp., for production and delivery of three more IL-76TD-90VD freighter aircraft. The aircraft, scheduled for delivery in 2009, will be built at Tashkent Aircraft Factory.
