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The MAKS 2021 International Aviation and Space Salon kicked off on July 20th, and during its first days appeared to be a resounding success.
Russian President Vladimir Putin took a look at promising domestic aircraft, in particular with the light multipurpose aircraft LMS-901 Baikal, the helicopter Ka-62, a specialized helicopter for offshore operations Mi-171A3, the upgraded helicopters Ansat-M, Ka-32A11M, unmanned helicopter VRT300.
A keystone event was the unveiling of Sukhoi’s “Checkmate” multi-role single-engine fighter jet, with an ambitious technical specification. Putin was the first to inspect it and appeared to be pleased.
The new fighter jet, which is touted as a light fifth-generation aircraft, purportedly has a max speed of about Mach 2, a range of about 2,900 kilometers, and a payload capacity of around 7,300 kilos.
The plane was designed by Sukhoi, part of Rostec, within the light tactical aircraft program. It is expected to make its maiden flight in 2023 with fielding starting in 2026.
The Orion-E strike variant UAV was also presented during MAKS-2021. It is specifically aimed at export, and there are reportedly several countries already showing their interest in acquiring this piece of equipment.
The exhibition program of MAKS-2021 is made up by 829 companies from 56 countries of the world, taking into account absentee participants who joined the exhibition in the remote mode.
Exhibits of 538 Russian companies and 89 foreign enterprises and organizations from 20 countries were built in the territory of the exhibition complex.
For audience involvement, an abbreviated demonstration program featuring the latest civil and combat aircraft was presented on July 20.
It opened with a parade of units produced by Russian Helicopters, as well as a solo helicopter flight.
Group and solo flight of the MS-21-300 and MS-21-310 aircraft, as well as the IL-114-300, highlighted the major Russian domestic achievements in the field of civil aircraft.
In turn, the Su-57 and MiG-35 aircraft demonstrated progress in the field of combat aviation.
The flight program ended with a show of the aerobatics teams of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Orders for a plethora of aircraft were concluded with various Russian and international clients, including purchases of Mi-8AMT, Mi-8MTV-1, Ansat helicopters, IL-76 aircraft, Sukhoi Superjet 100, IL-114-300 and others.
On the second day, a keystone event was the large-scale presentation of the LMS-901Baikal aircraft, which will replace An-2 single-engine biplane.
MAKS-2021 program also includes a large-scale flight show in the sky over Zhukovsky airfield, prepared by the aerobatic teams “Russian Knights”, “Swifts”, “Falcons of Russia” and “Berkuts” representing the Russian Air Force, as well as “First Flight” and “SARANG”.
The Air Display team of the Indian Air Force are also taking part in the demonstration with its four advanced light helicopters.
Each day, the organizers of the event boast of the new units being revealed and the many deals that are being signed.
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Aces high!
It’s seams to be a successful event already with Russians proceeding to create more revenue streams. New sleek machines on offer and the sky is the limit.
Herzliya troll farms really need new employees, if this level of dismal trolling is the best you can manage. You do realize, that you have even failed at being an anonymous internet troll.
MAKS is always an interesting demonstration event, thanks in part to rapid Russian innovation and development.