The first prototype of the Antonov An-132 twin turboprop airlifter, which will be developed by Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, will be rolled out in 2017, according to a meeting held by the two sides, during the Paris Air Show.
During the Air Show, Antonov signed an agreement to design and construct a modern manufacturing plant to built the An-132 in Saudi Arabia.
The pentalateral agreement involved Taqnia (Saudi Arabia), Ukrainian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Technologies, Altis Holding (Ukraine) and Broetje−Automation (Germany).
The An-132 aircraft will be on based on the Soviet era An-32 light transport aircraft, featuring upgraded systems and advanced western avionics. According to the agreement, King Abdulaziz City for science and technology (KACST), Taqnia Aeronautics and Antonov will develop the An-32 to add additional capabilities to the aircraft's payload, range and takeoff. The cockpit will be upgraded with sophisticated U.S. made navigation devices.
The An-132 airlifter will be capable to carry a payload over 9 ton on short and medium haul routes and will be offered as a replacement to the An−32 and An−26 turboprop transport planes.
Antonov predicts a market for about 900 airplanes.
The program is aimed to be a springboard to develop the Saudi' aerospace capability and industrial base. The Ukraine will train Saudi nationals for the program.
