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S-80 is the first commercial aircraft of the design bureau (leaving
aside aerobatic planes). Rugged construction STOL transport aircraft of
advanced technology with rough field capability, the S-80 is designed to
replace thousands of Yak-40, An-2, An-24,
An-26, An-30, An-32, An-28 and L-410. Since
most of these aircraft were manufactured outside Russia, Russia's aircraft
companies were faced with the practically insoluble problem of how to repair
and renovate their fleets. As an aircraft without any predecessors, the
S-80 was initially developed as highly effective transport suitable for
use on both commuter and medium-range airlines. As many as 650 aircraft
in different configurations may be sold by the year 2006.
The aircraft has a two-beam design with a high-aspect wing provided
with improved high-lift devices. It has a roomy flight deck and comfortable
26-seat cabin. Owing to its inverted U-shaped tail unit and hinged cargo
ramp in the fuselage tail, the aircraft may be loaded/unloaded right from/to
a transport vehicle.
The plane boasts a pressurized flight deck and passenger cabin, great
autonomy in operation, high reliability and long life - even under the
most inclement climatic conditions.
Since the S-80 is intended also for export, its major engine option
is GE's commercially successful CT7-9B
turboprop, driwing Hamilton
Standard 14RF propeller (different photos show 4 or 6 blade configurations).
The 14RF, suitable for up to 2,000-shaft horsepower, features lightweight,
field-replaceable, composite spar/shell blades and a highly accurate control
system featuring synchrophasing for low noise.
Calculations indicated that an increase in the sale price of the plane,
due to the use of imported turboprops and propellers, will be more than
compensated by their outstanding reliability, long life and extremely low
operating costs. Moreover, the joint venture set up by General Electric
and stock company Rybinskiye Motory will produce such engines and also
organize their in-service maintenance support on the Russian market.
The state-of-the-art avionics of the plane is also extremely important.
A part of the plane is being developed anew (e.g., airborne computers,
indicators, navaids), while some are vendor items (radio communication
equipment, weather radar, ATC transponder, IFF, etc.). Export variants
will be fit with the Rockwell Collins avionics.
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The dimensions of the S-80, construction materials and technologies
used are similar those of the Su-27 aircraft. This means that the
company has already mastered the manufacture technology of S-80 components
and has at its disposal all the facilities and working areas required to
produce 24 aircraft annually. At present modernization work is underway
involving separation of the final assembly of civilian aircraft into a
separate production facility. S-80 is now the most complete of all EDB
conversion projects.
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| Shares of materials employed |
| Aluminium alloys |
72% |
| Structural steel |
5% |
| Steel, corrosion-resistant |
3% |
| Titanium alloys |
6% |
| Other metals |
1% |
| Composites |
7% |
| Other non-metallic materials |
6% |
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Many advanced features, combined in a single aircraft, distinguish
the S-80 from its competitors:
relatively high flight speed (up to 535km/h) in combination
with STOL capability;
autonomous operation from actually inaccessible, unpaved and unprepared
airfields (strips);
highly intellectual integrated avionics that is absolutely new for
this type of aircraft;
ability to fly day and night in all weathers, using satellite navigation
and advanced automated landing systems;
reliable and fully automated built-in monitor of airborne systems,
locating troubles to plug-in units;
long service life and on-condition engine maintenance;
broad range of special-purpose versions of base-line aircraft:
S-80PT Patrool/Transport; Four aircraft were under construction at
KnAAPO in 1997. This aircraft incorporates the Strizh (Swift) base-line
equipment, developed by the Leninets research and production complex. Increased
fuel capacity os S-80PT enables it to make a 10-12h long barrage
flight and carry necessary weapons and special equipment.
S-80P Luxury/Business Passenger for 19/26 seats;
S-80GP Cargo-Passenger convertible for 3,500kg of load, capable
of transporting Jeep-type vehicles or standard aviation containers; At
present, this is the base-line model: its experimental series is now being
built by the KnAAPO;
S-80GR geological exploration;
S-80R fish reconnaissance;
S-80M specialized multi-function ambulance and other versions;
Fire fighting version;
KnAAPO has extensive experience, ensuring the high standard of post-warranty
service. Series production of the pilot batch was scheduled to start in
1998.
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Technical data |
