Il-103 aircraft: air taxi, characteristics and history


IL-103 is a light multi-purpose aircraft. Developed by AK them. S.V. Ilyushin. The car has many options for use, while it is designed for 4 passengers, is quite compact and easy to use. The IL-103 is often used to transport passengers, but it is not designed for cargo. Sometimes it helps to carry out training flights or act as a communications device.

Model features

This device has a Teledyne Continental Motors IO-360ES engine. This is a fairly old model, the first flight of which took place on May 17, 1994. After this, some time passed before receiving a domestic certificate, since this procedure took place only on February 15, 1996. It was only in 1999 that the aircraft model was approved by the United States and was able to receive FAA approval, which meant that the aircraft had passed tests to ensure compliance with all regulations. The Lukhovitsky Machine-Building Plant is responsible for the serial production of this model, therefore ensuring a constant supply of products to the domestic market.

Modifications

This aircraft, according to the initially developed project, should serve for many purposes, which was intended during its design. This device can be used for transporting passengers, communication equipment, training and educational purposes; it is used not only with a chassis, but also with floats, and it is also adapted for movement on a ski chassis.

There is a possibility that the IL-103 aircraft was created to accommodate an entire laboratory inside. It can be used to carry out environmental control, as well as as an environmental scout not only on land, but also at sea. Back in October 1996, it was planned to equip the aircraft with new parameters during a deep modification of this vehicle.

An option was considered in which there were two engines at once. The discussion was about giving the engine 270-280 hp. If the same load is applied with these parameters, then from a commercial point of view, the flight performance from the take-off and landing position of the vehicle will be significantly improved, which will certainly affect the ability to use the aircraft for expanded purposes.

There is an option to modify the model, which has a float structure. When designing this device, it was designed to use the most powerful engine. It was supposed to take off around 1997. A modification of this vehicle, which included ski chassis, took off around 1996.

Areas of use

Il-103 is a multi-purpose aircraft, mainly used for transporting passengers, it also carries out training flights, and is used as a communications device.

The aircraft can also be operated as:

  • air taxi;
  • coastal patrol means;
  • machine for carrying out scientific research work.

IL-103 can serve as a mobile laboratory and be used for environmental monitoring and in studying the situation on land and at sea.

The machine is not intended for transporting goods.

Dimensions

The length of the aircraft is exactly 8 m. Each wing has a span of 10.56 m. The height of the device is only more than 3 m, namely 3.135 m. The GO has a span of almost 4 m, more precisely 3.9 m. Each track of the landing gear occupies 2.404 m. The propeller has a fairly impressive diameter, as it is 1.9 m. There are 4 seats for passengers, and there is an additional seat for the crew.

IL-103: technical characteristics

The weight of the device is calculated depending on the position in which the vehicle is located. If the topic concerns takeoff, then in general the aircraft with all its contents can weigh a maximum of 1460 kg, otherwise an overload will be recorded. Empty without all the extra parts it weighs 765 kg. When the payload is taken into account, its maximum content is 395 kg. Fuel can be stored for a certain amount, which is no more than 150 kg. These are the characteristics of IL-103. Photos confirm this fact.

The engine installation takes up a lot of space, weighing exactly 158.9 kg, as it is multifunctional. This device can reach high speeds during flight, but it does not move faster than 250 km/h. If you consider only the cruising speed, it is 225 km/h. The flight is designed for a maximum length of 1070 km. If we take into account the total travel/run length equivalent to 340/250 m, the overload is calculated from the values ​​of +4.4/2.2. These parameters best characterize the IL-103 aircraft, photos of which confirm the excellent appearance and internal design of the device.

Notes

  1. [www.ilyushin.org/history/dates.html Official website of JSC Aviation Complex named after. S.V. Ilyushin.” Dates of first flights.]
  2. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2004-2005, p. 392
  3. [www.aviasafety.ru/news/nd22062011 06.22.2011 - Russian plane crashed in South Korea // FLIGHT SAFETY. Consulting and analytical agency]
  4. [www.metronews.ru/novosti/v-juzhnoj-koree-razbilsja-uchebnyj-il-103/Tpokfv—z7Houy0jwrW/ A training Il-103 crashed in South Korea // Metro]
  5. [www.mak.ru/russian/investigations/2012/report_ra-61912.pdf Final report on the results of the investigation of the accident]. MAK (October 11, 2012). Retrieved October 11, 2012. [www.webcitation.org/6BUZHWHzA Archived from the original on October 18, 2012].

Equipment

Since 1996, the aircraft has been equipped with domestically produced avionics. In 1996, there was information that the equipment was installed only in a flight configuration, that is, all the installations responsible for correct navigation were absent. After some time, navigation equipment appeared, which was provided by Bendix King.

Construction and materials

A riveted all-metal airframe is installed in all modifications of this aircraft model. It is made exclusively of aluminum, combined with additional alloys. The Lukhovitsky Machine-Building Plant put the IL-103 aircraft, photos of which indicate its excellent design, into mass production. For this purpose, the technology of riveting thin-sheet sheathing is used. It was developed during the production of the famous SL-90 Leshy aircraft.

The design of the device includes many different elements, in particular, titanium alloys, composite materials, as well as clad sheet D-16, which is considered the optimal composition for various parts of the aircraft. In the production of the aircraft, riveting is used, the skins of which are the thinnest. Fiberglass plastics were also used as composite products. The interior has been finished exclusively from modern materials, so the entire environment meets the basic flammability requirements, which are regulated in FAR 28.853.

There are specially installed ventilation systems, as well as complete heating of the room, which help create the most comfortable optimal conditions for the flight. The interior of the aircraft partly consists of US-developed equipment. This applies to some engines, propellers, and certain parts of avionics. The basic version of the aircraft is priced at $150, the device was previously cheaper, but quickly gained value in this area.

Description of the aircraft design

The IL-103 is a low-wing aircraft that uses a standard aerodynamic design. According to the initial design, it was designed from aluminum without the use of composites. The design of the aircraft itself was simple, but this did not affect the flight characteristics. And the use of a well-designed wing layout only improved them. It helps maintain a level of stability when choosing any angle during an attack by enemy formations. The presence of a single-slot flap with a rotating mechanism helps in this partly, but only with a positive tilt.

The main control elements of the IL 103 were pedals and handles. This makes simple piloting even easier, which reduces the requirements for the experience of the pilot who can be trusted to fly. Installing an elevator control trigger creates more convenience for the pilot, as does the presence of a flap release handle. The aircraft has the ability to adjust the placement of the pedals. This helps to install them in a position that will be most comfortable for operating the machine. If necessary, when signing a purchase agreement, the customer may request to replace the main handle on the steering wheel and duplicate the controls.

The initially selected I0-360ES engine produced by Teledyne is used as the power plant. It produces power up to 210 hp. With. at a speed of 2800 rpm. If the latter are reduced to 2500, then the horsepower will be reduced to 157. At the same time, up to 26 kg of fuel is consumed in one hour of flight. The engine itself is classified as a six-cylinder and rotates a two-bladed Hartzell Propeller with a diameter of 1.9 m.

The fuel system is designed in a classic way, and the tanks are located inside the fuselage. Refueling is carried out only on the ground through the wing necks. The fuel is sent to the main tanks, after which during the flight it is itself poured into the consumable tank, from which an electric pump transfers it to the engine. Gasoline capacity reaches 200 liters or 150 kg.

Il-103 aircraft diagram

The Il-103 has a tricycle spring-type chassis. After takeoff, the wheels are not retracted and remain in their position. The presence of a nose support allows the use of unpaved airfields for takeoff or landing, which simplifies the operation of the aircraft. The wheels have hydraulic brake discs. They help improve landing safety and soften control when taxiing on the runway.

The operation of the electronics is ensured by a power supply system with a voltage of 28 V. The role of the energy source is performed by a special direct current generator. If it fails, the backup system is activated instead. Radio communication is carried out using a dedicated station using the ultrashort wave range. Negotiations between the crew take place via internal telephone communication. There are various flight and navigation equipment on board, including various flight indicators, airspeed indicators, an accelerometer and local thermometers. The manufacturer can install Russian or foreign equipment based on the customer’s wishes.

Il-103 electronics circuit

The cabin is designed for only five people. One seat belongs to the pilot, four are intended for passengers. The interior decoration is made using plastic and various composites. All materials are practical and have a level of fire resistance that meets established state standards.

There is an air conditioner inside the cabin that maintains a comfortable temperature and eliminates fogging of the lamp. In the cold season, it acts as a heater and warms the air, directing it to the glass or the passenger’s feet. If an emergency occurs, you can use the rescue system by taking parachutes from the seat backs and leaving the aircraft through the installed doors.

Start of production

The history of the design and implementation of the IL-103 aircraft began in 1988. It was then that a competition was opened to create a machine, which young specialists willingly took on, led by Pupkov. The device project was developed on a proactive basis. Novozhilov became the general designer and willingly supported the planned project. After some time, the competition changed the conditions, which is why the IL-103 aircraft had to be expanded in terms of the possibilities of its use. The technical requirements were limited only in the main indicators, which gave the designers the opportunity to independently choose both the concept and all the main layouts of the aircraft.

In which countries is it used?

Russia became the main operator of the Il-103. A total of 30 vehicles of different variations were purchased. They are used to carry out work in forestry and reconnaissance activities in border areas. Among the CIS countries, only Belarus showed interest in the aircraft. The state purchased 4 cars, but one of them has already been written off. Only 3 are used.

Of the foreign countries, South Korea bought the most aircraft. 23 cars were produced for it, which were handed over to the customer long ago. The purpose of the acquisition was to replace the existing T-41Ds, which are obsolete and have expired. Laos bought only 3 aircraft, which were transferred back in 2002.

They were used for carrying out research activities and transporting high-ranking officials. Peru has purchased 6 aircraft, which are used to train future pilots and hone various skills.

Project Features

The terms of the competition also included the need to create a design that could be easily implemented and applied to a variety of production conditions. Serial production of the device was planned, and the defense of the project was to take place in October 1988. A huge number of projects were sent to the competition; the variety was truly amazing, since there were samples interspersed with new ideas, as well as the adaptation of elements that had not previously been used for specific purposes.

Important aspects in the project

The design was carried out by highly qualified specialists from the Design Bureau. They helped carry out a huge amount of work related to the aerodynamic layout. Special aerodynamic models were equipped with models that included several different options. The technical side of device control received a sufficient amount of attention and proper elaboration. The developers tried to make this aspect as simplified as possible. They decided to immediately expand the market area, adding options with the ability to accommodate several passengers.

Device testing

The IL-103 plane took off on May 17, 1994. The pilot was Gudkov. All data obtained from the first test showed excellent characteristics of the device, which is why they immediately began mass production of these machines at the Lukhovitsky plant. The pilots note that the IL-103 has excellent characteristics. You can also highlight the good behavior of the unit when stalling, since it lowers onto the nose and immediately begins to pick up speed, that is, there are no problems with falling onto the wing.

During the tests, various maneuvers were performed, in particular, the pilots alternately stopped using the rudder and elevator, sometimes ignored the functions of the flaps or did not use the engine. This aircraft is capable of performing aerobatics, which distinguishes it from similar models.

Certification tests were carried out, since there were several aircraft available, which made it possible to obtain domestic and American certificates that the device was suitable for operation. This machine is characterized by optimal characteristics and satisfactory load capacity, which allows the device to be in demand in modern times. The high quality of the internal design and the versatility of the control system allow the aircraft to be used for various purposes, making it useful not only for small-sized cargo, but also for passenger transportation.

Links

  • Stormtroopers IL-2

    ·
    IL-8
    ·
    IL-10
    ·
    IL-16
    ·
    IL-20 (1948)
    ·
    IL-40
    ·
    IL-102

    Torpedo bombers and anti-submarine aircraft DB-3TP

    ·
    IL-6
    ·
    IL-38

    Transport aircraft or dual purpose IL-32

    ·
    Il-76
    ·
    Il-112
    ·
    Il-214

    Special aircraft based on transport A-50

    ¹
    A-60
    ¹
    Il-78
    976
    SKIP
    ¹
    A-100
    ¹

    Passenger aircraft IL-12

    ·
    Il-14
    ·
    Il-18 (1946)
    ·
    Il-18
    ·
    Il-62
    ·
    Il-86
    ·
    Il-96
    ·
    Il-103
    ·
    Il-114

    Special aircraft based on passenger IL-20

    ·
    Il-24N
    ·
    Il-80

    Current projects Il-112V

    ·
    Il-214
    ² ·
    Il-76MD-90A (Il-476)
    ·
    PTS "Ermak"

    Unrealized / experimental IL-26

    ·
    Il-36
    ·
    Il-42
    ·
    Il-52
    ·
    Il-56
    ·
    Il-64
    ·
    Il-66
    ·
    Il-66
    ·
    Il-70
    ·
    Il-72
    ·
    Il-72
    ·
    Il-74
    ·
    Il-84
    ·
    Il -90
    ·
    Il-106
    ·
    Il-108
    ·
    Il-118
    ·
    Il-196

    Notes: italics

    Promising, experimental, or samples that have not gone into mass production are highlighted;
    in bold
    ; ¹ together with Beriev Design Bureau; ² together with NPK Irkut

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