Russia to Procure 230 Propeller-driven Trainers for Pilot Cadets

The Russian ministry of defense will procure 230 propeller planes for primary training of pilots.

"The military agency is about to buy 230 propeller planes for primary training of pilots. It is not specified what exactly planes are in question though. Defense minister Sergey Shoigu has signed the corresponding document,” an unnamed source was quoted as saying by Mil.Press Today on Monday.

According to the interviewee, this issue will be clarified after completion of state trials of Yak-152, and the only competitor for the contract will be Austrian plane Diamond DART-550.

General Alexander Akhlyustin, a pilot with Russian forces was quoted by the news daily that he believes Yak-152 has more chances to win the tender. "It is just the kind of plane (Yak-152) that pilots need for basic training. Without extra frills, the main thing is that cadets develop tactile perception of airplane control, can rapidly make decisions as of speed, altitude and flight course", he said.

In May 2018, press service of Ural Works of Civil Aviation (UWCA) told Mil.Press Today that the company would not deliver Diamond DA42Т airplanes to the Russian Airspace Force.