An124-100-150
ANTONOV ASTC has defined and developed various modifications to be incorporated into an improved model refered to as the An124-100-150. Discussions continue between the operators, production facilities and the governments of Ukraine and Russia on how best to implement this programme.
Changes for the An124-100-150 would include:
- An increase in payload from 120t to 150t;
- Increase in take-off weight from 392t to 402t;
- Increase in flight range with 120t payload from 4650km to 5400km;
- Aircraft service life is increased up to 24,000 flight hours with further extensions to 40,000 flight hours expected.
- New PO-500 maintenance schedule allows 500 flight hours between scheduled maintenance periods.
- Capacity of integral overhead crane increased to 40 t weight;
- Reinforced fuselage structure to provide airlift of single piece of cargo up to 150t weight;
- Navigation System and radar updated;
- Landing distance reduced by up to 30% by introduction of new digital, antiskid braking system
- Flight crew reduced from 6 to 4 members, with improved crew rest cabin.
- Original military oxygen equipment replaced by civil system;
- Uprated wheels and tires to cope with the increased weights;
- New engine control systems;
- Improved reverse thrust control and engine vibration monitoring systems;
- Improved ground proximity warning system .
The major limitation on the anticipated performance of the improved aircraft would appear to be the thrust available from the Lotarev D-18T series 3 engines produced by the Motor Sich factory in Zaporozhye and the reliability of any improvements.
The IVCHENKO-PROGRESS Engine Design Bureau (Ukraine) which is the design authority for the engine has carried out development work to improve reliability, gas-dynamic stability, and service life of the existing series 3 engines. The development of D-18T series 4 engine to power the uprated Ruslan is in progress.
