Modern Russian Twin Could be First Commercially-Successful Russian Import Design

RS Tejavia, LP, out of Austin (TX), has just inked a Letter of Agreement to bring the SU-80 to North America, and to arrange "a complete engineering and logistical support system as the project grows."

Randall Stephens, the visionary behind Tejavia, said, "Buyers of the SU-80 will be able to enjoy AOG support across the Americas. Prices on Russian aircraft are typically 30-50% lower than western equipment, even equipped with FAA-Certified avionics and engines. KnAAPO expects [FAA] certification in 2004."

Capable, Versatile Design

Cargo operators choosing the SU-80, Stephens told us, can expect to expand their fleet payload capacity faster than competitors, at half the price of other aircraft. The high-quality SU-80 is a multirole aircraft capable of carrying 30 passengers in airline configuration or 7000 lbs of cargo.

American Power

With the aft ramp, the aircraft can perform air-drop of emergency supplies, hay for livestock, or paratroopers and smoke-jumpers. As a medium-range cargo hauler, the Sukhoi SU-80 will provide reliable service with its GE CT-7-9B engines and Hamilton Standard propellers.

Mr Stephens assured us, "MRO support will be no problem anywhere in the Americas when sold by TEJAVIA."

FMI: www.tejavia.com; www.ceebd.co.uk/ceebd/knaapo8.htm