Iran tested an aircraft converted from the Ukrainian An-140, which ceased production in Ukraine in 2005.

In Iran, a new phase of testing for the Simorgh transport aircraft, created based on the Ukrainian An-140, has begun. The flights are taking place at the airfield in Shahinshahr, in the central part of the country. The aircraft must complete 100 hours of test flights to receive permission to join the aviation fleet.

Technical Features and Origin

Simorgh, named after a mythical bird, is equipped with two engines with a power of 2500 horsepower. It can carry 6000 kilograms of cargo over a distance of 3900 kilometers. The maximum takeoff weight is 21,500 kilograms. Iranians call it “their own development,” although the machine is based on the IrAn-140, a licensed version of the Ukrainian An-140.

The conversion of passenger An-140s into military transport versions is carried out by HESA. The first presentation of Simorgh took place in May 2022. The aircraft is made from parts supplied by the Kharkiv Aviation Plant before the sanctions were imposed.

The An-140 is a twin-engine turboprop passenger aircraft of medium range, developed by the Ukrainian Antonov Design Bureau. It was intended to replace outdated models such as the Tu-134 and for operation on regional and short routes. Here are some key characteristics and features of this aircraft:

History and Development:

• The development of the An-140 began in the 1990s at the Antonov Design Bureau.

• The aircraft was presented as a modern alternative for small and medium-sized airlines looking to update their fleets.

• The main goal was to create an economical and versatile aircraft for use on regional routes with the ability to operate in challenging climatic conditions.

• The aircraft was named An-140 in honor of Antonov, as it was the first new-generation passenger turboprop aircraft created in independent Ukraine.

2. Technical Specifications:

• Crew: 2 people (pilot and co-pilot).

• Passenger capacity: from 52 to 68 passengers depending on the configuration.

• Maximum flight range: up to 2.1 thousand kilometers (for the passenger configuration model).

• Maximum takeoff weight: about 22 tons.

• Engines: two turboprop engines TVD-10B, each with a power of 2,400 hp.

3. Design Features:

• The An-140 was designed using modern materials and technologies, making it quite economical to operate.

• New, more efficient engines and modern navigation systems are installed.

• The aircraft has good takeoff and landing characteristics, allowing it to operate effectively on short and unpaved runways.

4. Usage and Export:

• The aircraft was designed for operation in a wide range of climatic conditions: from hot regions to cold northern latitudes.

• Iran, like several other countries, received a license to produce the An-140. The Iranian version of the aircraft is called IrAn-140, and it was initially produced based on Ukrainian components.

• Ukraine and Iran signed an agreement on joint production, and subsequently, Iran began assembling aircraft at its plant.

5. Problems and Challenges:

• The aircraft faced economic difficulties during production. Some countries, including Russia, also expressed doubts about its commercial appeal.

• Production of the aircraft was limited after 2014, when Ukraine stopped supplying components and parts to Iran due to deteriorating political relations and the imposition of international sanctions.

6. Adaptation and Modifications:

• Several modifications were developed based on the An-140, including auxiliary and military versions, such as IrAn-140 and Simorgh in Iran, which were used as transport aircraft for armies and humanitarian operations.

• An-140 was also used to create other types of aircraft, including medical and transport variants.

In Ukraine, the An-140 was produced at the Kharkiv State Aviation Production Enterprise (KSAPO) from 1997 to 2005. The last serial An-140 was released in 2005.

Since 2004, the production of the An-140-100 modification began, which included more than 200 improvements compared to the base model. These changes included wing extension, increased aileron area, installation of new engine nacelles and instrumentation, as well as interior improvements.

In Ukraine, 11 An-140 aircraft were produced, including various modifications. However, as of 2019, all these aircraft have been decommissioned or are in storage. In particular, one An-140 is operated by the airline “Motor Sich Avia,” and three are in storage. Also, two An-140s are in storage with the Antonov Design Bureau and KSAPO, two with the leasing company “UkrTransLeasing,” one with the airline “Aeromost Kharkiv,” and one with “Odessa Airlines.”

Conclusion:

The An-140 is an aircraft that became an important part of the aviation industry in Ukraine and other countries, such as Iran, at certain stages. Despite its production challenges and limited export, the An-140 demonstrates significant potential for regional transportation and military needs, adapting technologies for the needs of national aviation programs.

Iranian Aviation and International Relations

Recently, it became known that Iran paid for 50 Russian Su-35 fighters but never received them. Instead, the country received outdated MiG-29s. Amid the conflict with Israel, Tehran has intensified negotiations to purchase Chinese J-10C fighters, which have been ongoing for two decades.