The first production Ilyushin Il-76MF airlifter built for Jordan by Tashkent Aircraft Production Corp. (TAPC) under the contract landed by Rosoboronexport on 17 August 2005, during the visit of the MAKS 2005 air show by the Jordan King and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Jordanian Armed Forces, His Majesty Adballah ben Al-Hussein II, has been undergoing flight tests at Ilyushin’s facility in Zhukovsky, Moscow Region, since November 2010.

As is known, the first Jordan-ordered aircraft (c/n 96-03 issued with temporary registration number 76954 for the duration of the tests) performed its first flight in Tashkent on 30 September last year and then, following several test flights more and painting, was ferried to Zhukovsky on 29 October for installation of additional avionics and extra tests prior to the delivery.

Meanwhile, TAPC is assembling the second plane under the contract (c/n 94-01). In early November 2010, the Perm Engine Company shipped to Tashkent a set of four engines to power the plane, according to a Perm Engine Company spokesperson. The second Jordan-ordered Il-76MF is expected to conduct its maiden flight in Tashkent early this year.

“Both planes are expected to be delivered by mid-2011, following the completion of all of the tests”, the Perm Engine Company news release reads.