TEHRAN (Iran News) – The CEO of the Iran Aviation Industry Organization (IAIO) has listed the local Simorgh aircraft’s advantages in terms of logistics, commercial transportation, emergency, and cost-effectiveness.

Regarding the price of the homegrown aircraft, IAIO chief Brigadier General Afshin Khajeh Fard said on Sunday that Simorgh’s price is 50-60 percent of its foreign equivalents.

Visiting the testing stage of the plane, the general added the platform Iran-140 has been used to convert it into a light transport aircraft.

Pointing out that the aircraft is for transport purposes with a rear ramp door, he added that it is designed to carry out all the missions of a tactical transport plane.

Regarding the changes in the planning of the aircraft, General Khajeh Fard said: “The changes of this plane compared to the basic plane are in configuration, planning and hydromechanical systems, including control surface mechanisms, hydraulic system, auxiliary engine, air conditioning system, interior and cargo equipment, and electrical system.”

He provided more details about the aircraft, saying the length of its body has increased by more than 2 meters. The vertical and horizontal tails have also completely changed. The interior of the aircraft has also been designed indigenously, and all the documents and maps are designed based on standard airplanes.

Brigadier General Khaje Fard considered the engine of the Simorgh aircraft “superior” to the engine of Iran-140, adding that the engine has been upgraded compared to the previous platform in terms of fueling and electronic control.

Pointing to flight manuals and the compatibility, the general considered the aircraft “efficient,” saying Simorgh’s efficiency is tested and approved by the expert teams of the Civil Aviation Organization and the Armed Forces.

“This aircraft has capabilities, like the possibility of landing and taking off on dirt runways,” stated the general, pointing to the unique geographical conditions and natural disasters in Iran where Simorgh can be a useful aircraft.

The Simorgh aircraft has been designed under the supervision of the Civil Aviation Organization and based on the DOADesign Organization Approval certificate, according to the general.

He added that the DOADesign Organization Approval certificate is based on the national regulations of Iran.

“Also, Simorgh is designed based on applicable rules for aircraft heavier than 5,670 kg or 12,500 pounds (AP-25). In short, it can be said that this aircraft was designed based on the system product regulations related to its class and is undergoing the process of obtaining the relevant certificate,” reiterated General Khaje Fard.