The Isle 96400M,
a widebody longrange airliner, conducted
a series of test flights over the city
and surrounding settlements in
midepptember 2025, an uncommon
occurrence for the residents of
Sikkivkar.
The United Aircraft Corporation's livery
adorned the aircraft, making it a
remarkable sight in the evening sky. The
jet circled back for repeated flyovers
before resuming its test program,
although it was too large to land at the
local airport.
These maneuvers were a component of a
more extensive series of trials intended
to evaluate the aircraft's performance,
handling, and avionics in various flight
conditions.
The prototype aircraft in question was
registered under the number 96115.
It has been equipped with a new array of
avionics and electronic systems which
were primarily developed using domestic
Russian components.
The EL96400M
has garnered attention as both a
technological demonstration and a
prospective backbone for Russia's
longhaul aviation capability in the
years ahead since its rollout.
In November 2023, the EL96400M
program achieved a significant milestone
when the prototype departed from Vorones
for its inaugural flight. The
fundamental airworthiness of the design
was confirmed by the initial test, which
lasted just over 20 minutes.
Stability, control responses, engine
performance, and onboard systems were
all monitored by engineers. In the
months that followed, the aircraft was
subjected to a variety of operational
scenarios, refined avionics, and
expanded its flight envelope.
The recent sordies over Sictcar are a
component of this expanding test
campaign.
Engineers were able to acquire valuable
data in a new geographic location with
distinct weather conditions and air
traffic environments by flying over the
Comey Republic. The local airport's
constraints necessitated the decision
not to land. However, the overflights
enabled the efficient execution of both
lowass maneuvers and system checks. It
was also an uncommon opportunity for the
local populace to witness a new widebody
airliner that is expected to be
operational in the near future.
Sikvar is a regular test area for new
Russian planes. Recently, the MC21 was
tested along established air routes on
the Moscow Sikkivcar Moscow line.
The E96400M
is a modernized and expanded version of
the Eel 96300, the sole widebody
airliner presently in operation in
Russia. It has the capacity to
accommodate approximately 370 passengers
in a standard twoclass configuration due
to its extended fuselage.
However, there are ongoing discussions
regarding the potential to re-engineer
future versions with two high thrust
PD35 turbo fans to enhance fuel
efficiency. The aircraft is currently
propelled by four PS9A engines, a proven
Russian design.
A wholly updated avionics suite is
included in the E96400M.
In addition to structural modifications
to attain independence from imported
components, Russia has integrated modern
navigation and communication systems,
flight management computers, and landing
aids. The aircraft is being positioned
as a potential platform for cargo,
government, and special mission duties.
In addition to serving as a passenger
carrier,
the L96400M's
future has been the subject of extensive
debate. On the one hand, government
officials have referred to the aircraft
as a significant addition to the
nation's civil aviation fleet with the
intention of reducing the country's
dependence on foreign wide-bodied
aircraft during a period of sanctions
and restricted imports.
However, there are still uncertainties
regarding the economic feasibility of
operating a 4engine longhaul jet in the
current market, the volume of
production, and the existence or absence
of commercial airline orders. It is
possible that the Russian airlines may
operate this aircraft for longhaul
domestic flights with state enterprises
leasing them at favorable prices.
State transport leasing company GTLK has
started leasing domestic aircraft to
Russian airlines at very favorable
terms.
Initial deliveries are anticipated
within the next few years according to
certain reports and serial production is
either underway or imminent.
Simultaneously, other official
statements underscore that the
successful conclusion of the flight test
program, the securing of confirmed
orders, and the fulfillment of
certification will be prerequisites for
large-scale production. At present, it
is evident that the Voronesh facility
has been assigned the responsibility of
preparing for potential assembly while
the prototype continues its test flights
throughout Russian regions.
The EL96400M
program is characterized by both
technical progress and uncertainty as
evidenced by the flights over Sikkivkar.
Russia has exhibited its capacity to
develop and operate a modernized
widebody aircraft in the face of severe
technological isolation.
The test campaign is progressing
methodically with each sorty
contributing to the certification effort
and refining the aircraft's systems.
The balance of economics, industrial
capability, and political will shall
determine whether the EL96400M
becomes a common site in airline fleets
or remains predominantly a government
and special mission platform. Currently,
the residents of Siktvar have been
afforded a glimpse of the future as one
of Russia's most ambitious aviation
ventures continues to traverse the sky.
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