Russia Unveils the Cutting-Edge UTS-800 Training Aircraft at IDEX-2025 in Abu Dhabi

Russia’s latest training aircraft, the UTS-800, will be unveiled for the first time at an international exhibition during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi (UAE), from February 17 to 21. This information comes from the official spokesperson of The Ural Works of Civil Aviation (JSC UWCA), the entity responsible for designing and producing the aircraft.

The UTS-800 training aircraft is a Russian turboprop vehicle intended for initial flight training and professional pilot selection. This aircraft is crafted for instruction in flying techniques, executing spins and recovering from them, fundamental navigation, emergency procedures, instrument flying, and group maneuvers. The UTS-800 accommodates a crew of two in a tandem arrangement: the student in the front cabin and the instructor in the back. It can also be flown solo without necessitating an aircraft balance weight.

The aircraft’s design prioritized simplicity and predictability, critical factors during its development phase. These objectives were successfully met due to the UTS-800’s aerodynamic properties.

The UTS-800 aircraft is noted for its exceptional maneuverability and economical operating expenses. It features a turboprop engine, ejection seats, a standard oxygen supply system, an air conditioning unit, an anti-icing system, and various onboard technologies. An anti-g suit is utilized to enhance the crew’s tolerance to aerobatic g-loads. The aircraft can sustain permissible g-loads ranging from +7 to -4. The UTS-800 boasts a high power-to-weight ratio, superior maneuverability, impressive speed levels, and is capable of operations both day and night. Its acceptable temperature range is from -30 °C to +45 °C. The aircraft can reach a maximum velocity of 460 km/h, with a flight range of 1200 km and a maximum altitude of 6000 m. It can operate from both paved and unpaved airstrips.

The airframe of the UTS-800 is constructed using Russian composite materials. The UWCA possesses the expertise to produce composite components and has innovated technologies for repairability. The selected materials are assured to be manufactured for the coming decades as they are utilized in other projects by Russian aviation firms.

The inaugural flight of the first UTS-800 aircraft occurred in October 2023. The flights validated the correctness of the main technical and ergonomic decisions made. According to the pilots involved, the aircraft exhibits stability and control, is easy to operate, and “overlooks” piloting errors. The primary flight and technical characteristics—landing speed, takeoff speed, and an assessment of stability and control—were also evaluated based on test outcomes. To expedite the testing process, additional aircraft are included in the program.

The initial two aircraft were delivered to the Russian Ministry of Defense by the end of 2024 and are currently participating in the testing program. The export version mock-up of the UTS-800 is now being showcased as part of the joint Russian display at IDEX 2025.

“The UTS-800 training aircraft possesses excellent performance specifications and shares components and ergonomic principles with Russian combat aircraft. Should foreign nations select Russian military aircraft and opt for the UTS-800 for training, it could significantly streamline their pilot development. The UTS-800 training aircraft, equipped with a turboprop engine, will facilitate cost-effective training for numerous pilots. Depending on the procurement volume by a prospective foreign customer and their financing ability for R&D initiatives, modifications and adaptations of the aircraft can be made to meet specific requirements,” states the official spokesperson for JSC UWCA.

JSC UWCA is a Russian aerospace manufacturing firm focused on the design, production, testing, repair, and maintenance of aviation equipment, assemblies, and components.