Aircraft
SLON Strategic Airlifter Enters Tunnel Testing
Russia’s strategic airlifter program is advancing into validation of the advanced wing, while Ukraine is hoping to re-launch production of the An-225.
The wind tunnel model of the SLON heavylifter represents an aircraft similar in configuration to the An-124 it is intended to replace, but which is larger and more efficient. (Photo: TsAGI)
The wind tunnel model of the SLON heavylifter represents an aircraft similar in configuration to the An-124 it is intended to replace, but which is larger and more efficient. (Photo: TsAGI)

Wind tunnel tests have commenced on a scale model of the SLON strategic airlifter at TsAGI (the local acronym for the Central Aero-hydrodynamics Institute), which is leading the aircraft's development under a contract from Russia’s ministry for industry and trade. The tests are three months behind the original schedule.