Today IRKUT Corporation in co-operation with participants of the Indo-Russian Multipurpose Transport Aircraft (MTA) project have completed the pre-preliminary project stage, which resulted into final specification of the aircraft in compliance with customers' requirements. Thus the preliminary design phase has begun. Manufacturing of prototypes for static and fatigue tests is planned to begin in 2006 and the maiden flight - in 2008. The first aircraft will enter in operation in 2009.

The Indo-Russian MTA project unites in co-design, co-development and co-production of Russian companies such as IRKUT Corporation, Ilyushin Aviation Complex, Rosoboronexport, and Indian Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) company. All participants signed the agreement on the joint project on June 6, 2001. In a frame of the programme a joint design house with highly skilled personnel was established. The employees of the design bureau are highly skilled in all necessary specialisations and apply the most advanced methods of electronic designing. Moreover world-wide known vendors of aviation engines, avionics and aircraft components are planned to be involved in the joint project.

World transport aircraft market study shows a good demand for MTA type aircraft. Outstanding characteristic features and low price make this aircraft the best in comparison with other similar aircraft of this category.

Double-engine turbojet tactical multipurpose transport aircraft MTA with loading capacity up to 20t is designed for transportation of military and civil cargo and paratrooping. This aircraft can be operated under elevated conditions, from unpaved aerodromes, under any weather conditions.

The transport aircraft is being built in compliance with the requirements of the Indian Air Force and will meet the potential requirements of the Russian Air Force. Taking into consideration the export potential and needs of transportation companies for an aircraft with paying capacity up to 20t, requirements of potential customers are taken into account in the aircraft structure.

The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is up to 60t, it is designed as a high wing plane with two engines under the wing and the tail cargo ramp. MTA is capable to transport cargo up to 20t at a range of up to 2,500 km with maximum speed 870 km/hour and can be operated under diverse climatic conditions, including elevated aerodromes at 3,000 m above sea level.

MTA advanced avionics allows to perform flights in the automated mode on regular routes equipped with radio/navigation equipment as well as over no-cue areas at day and night time; to drop cargo and paratroopers at any place and land on any aerodrome or unpaved runway. The crew consists of two pilots and operates the most advanced configuration of "glass" cockpit and outstanding capabilities of avionics, designed by principle of open architecture.

The major role of the multirole transport aircraft awakens interest towards it from the part of Air Force of the project participants. Third world countries' market study showed the possibility to purchase MTA in third world countries for needs of military transport aviation, and first of all in those countries, where operation of such aircraft like An-12 is coming to the end.

The most advanced autonomous loading equipment, as well as the capability to operate on semi prepared runways, draws the customer's interest for managing the emergency situations.

Modern engines, that meet the requirements of ICAO Chapter 4 and advanced avionics, fully meeting the requirements for flights on international routes, in combination with low operational costs enable MTA employment in cargo airlines.