Russian company Yakovlev has completed fabrication of the second prototype of the Yak-130M advanced trainer light combat aircraft, the company said. The jet is painted in Russia’s customary pixel camouflage and will join ground and flight test programs. Work is already under way on a third airframe.
The first prototype for trials was recently built at the Irkutsk aircraft plant and has been sent for ground and flight testing, the statement added.
“The Yak-130M has been developed on the basis of analysis and synthesis of aviation experience in local and regional conflicts. The creation of light combat aircraft based on trainer-combat machines aligns with global trends in the development of military aviation,” said Dmitry Popov, deputy chief designer for the Yak-130 program.
The Yak-130M is derived from the Yak-130 trainer, which is used to prepare pilots for fourth and fifth generation fighters. The stated aim of the modernization is to broaden the aircraft’s combat capability. The upgraded model can be armed with both air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, according to the release.
To support round-the-clock operations and missions in adverse weather, the Yak-130M will incorporate new onboard systems. These include the BRLS-130R onboard radar, the SOLT-130K electro-optical laser thermal-imaging system, the President-S130 defensive suite, and the KSS-130 communications package.
No timeline for the start or completion of flight-testing was provided in the announcement, and the company did not disclose prospective customers or export plans.
