Russian Renova Group, owned by tycoon Viktor Vekselberg, may build a plant for the production of training aircraft, based on the technology of the Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus, Vedomosti daily reported on Friday.

The project will only go ahead if Renova manages to conclude delivery contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry, a source close to the group told the paper.

If launched, the plant will produce aircraft based on the Pilatus PC-9 M and PC-21 models. The PC-9 M is a single engine, low-wing tandem-seat turboprop training aircraft with a strong dorsal fin. The PC-21 model is a single-turboprop, low wing swept monoplane advanced trainer with a stepped tandem cockpit.

Renova is currently estimating possible demand for these aircraft. Construction of the plant will be efficient if it delivers 50 planes a year.

The training aircraft would be sold to the Russia's Defense Ministry and potential customers abroad, although negotiations with foreign partners have not yet begun.

An official from the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that the project is being discussed, although Russian Air Forces representative Vladimir Drik told Vedemosti he had not heard about the project.

The project may face problems with the certification of its plants in Russia and with tough Swiss regulations on the export of military products, experts told the paper.

Vekselberg chose Pilatus for the project because 13.97% of its shares belong to the Swiss Oerlikon, which is controlled by Renova. However, the manufacturer's role in the project has yet to be defined.

MOSCOW, July 23 (RIA Novosti)