Russian authorities are moving forward with plans to modernize the legacy Antonov An-2 biplane to extend its operational life. According to FlightGlobal, the Siberian aviation research institute, SibNIA, has entered discussions with the federal air transport regulator, Rosaviatsia, to detail a series of design upgrades for the aircraft following the institute's acquisition of the An-2 type certificate.

The proposed modifications aim to modernize the Soviet-era airframe through several technical adjustments. Key features under review include the installation of a "glass cockpit" interface, the addition of fuel tanks to increase operational range, and the integration of a modernized control system designed to lower pilot workload. Furthermore, regulators are evaluating design changes that would permit the transport of up to 12 passengers.

### Proposed Technical Upgrades

| Feature | Planned Modification | | :--- | :--- | | Passenger Capacity | 12 passengers | | Avionics | Glass cockpit installation | | Range | Additional fuel tanks | | Control System | Modernized for lower load |

Efforts to improve the platform are ongoing, with officials focusing on engine replacement strategies. Previously, the company Rusaviaprom carried out re-engining projects utilizing the Honeywell TPE331 engine and a five-blade propeller, a configuration designated as the TVS-2MS. However, current international sanctions against Russia have rendered the Honeywell powerplant unavailable. Consequently, developers are considering alternative domestic or available engines, such as the TVD-10—commonly used on the Antonov An-28—or the VK-800, which powers the new UZGA LMS-901 utility aircraft.

Dmitry Kopysov, head of the aviation certification department at Rosaviatsia, stated that the agency maintains continuous communication with developers to establish specific timeframes for the modernization schedule. Simultaneously, SibNIA director Vladimir Barsuk confirmed that work is slated to commence in September for the certification of the 'An-2MS-X,' a designation linked to the previous TVS-2MS configuration.

## Why It Matters

The attempt to modernize the An-2 underscores the extreme reliance of regional Russian connectivity on aging, decades-old airframes. By attempting to force the integration of modern avionics and newer powerplants into an airframe designed in the 1940s, regulators are essentially attempting to bypass the lack of new-production light aircraft. This path suggests that the domestic aerospace sector is prioritizing the recycling of legacy designs over the rapid scaling of the UZGA LMS-901. If successful, this effort could stabilize regional transport networks that are currently vulnerable to the supply chain disruptions caused by sanctions.