AN-2 Replacement, LMS-901 "Baikal" Aircraft, to Get Russian Engine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed experts to develop a domestic engine to power the LMS-901 “Baikal” aircraft that will replace the aging AN-2 fleet.

Production of the aircraft will be launched in the city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur in the Khabarovsk Territory.

“The first immediate task is a Russian-made engine. It will be a good car designed for the regions, including Siberia and the Far East, for local airlines,” the head of state was quoted as saying by MOD-owned Zvezda during a meeting with the Governor of the Khabarovsk Territory, Mikhail Degtyarev.

Putin praised the capabilities of the aircraft, noting its ability to land on water, on snow on skis and on a 300-meter runway.

In January, Baikal made its first flight near Yekaterinburg. The flight took place at an altitude of 500 meters and lasted about 25 minutes. The aircraft is intended for local airlines and is intended to replace An-2 aircraft in operation.