OREANDA-NEWS. On 27 July 2009 was announced, that the first serial AN-148-100B regional jet with the registration number RA-61701 built by Voronezh aircraft building JSC (VAB) performed its maiden flight.

The aircraft was piloted by Gennadii Ryabov, a state test-pilot of civil aircraft of VAB JSC and Sergei Troshin, a test-pilot, the leader of air squadron of ANTONOV ASTC who performed more than 250 take-offs and landings on AN-148. The air-liner took-off at 14.00 Moscow time. The plane was in air for 41 minute. During the test characteristic speeds, stability and controllability of the aircraft were evaluated as well as the work of different systems. Maximum altitude was 5000 metres, maximum speed – 550 km/h, take-off mass – 33 t.

After the maiden flight the AN-148-100B will perform the programme of certification and acceptance tests which includs 21 flights. 6 of them were on a programme of serial manufacture (so called presentation ones), 9 certification and 6 acceptance flights.

On completion of the cycle of tests the aircraft will be passed to the customer – “Rossiya” state transport company. Its expected that the ceremony of the aircraft passing will take place at MAKS-2009 International airshow.