Russian Be-200 Amphibian Airplane Demonstrates How to Fight Fires at Exercises in Italy

During international fire protection exercises on the Italian island of Sardinia, a Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations Be-200 amphibious airplane demonstrated how it fights fires.

The airplane precisely dropped water and put out the seat of the fire at an extremely low altitude. The maneuver evoked storm of applause from the observers and journalists.

"It's impressive. You heard the applause. And this isn't our opinion, but the opinion of our colleagues from France, Portugal, Greece and Spain," said the head of the ministry of emergency situation, Sergey Shoygu, sharing his impressions about the Russian airplane's appearance at the Ogon'-4 ((Fire-4)) exercises, which are being held on Sardinia under the aegis of the European Union.

"I love this airplane. One can say that it was nourished by the ministry," the minister added.

According to the idea of the exercises, catastrophic fires rage in Italy. A most critical situation occurred on Sardinia which demanded not only national fire fighting forces, but also ground and air teams from other European countries. A Russian ministry of emergency situations delegation headed by Shoygu was observing the exercises. Negotiations with the leaders of the "emergency" authorities of a number of European countries are in the program of its stay on Sardinia.

Source: 18.04.08, RIA Novosti

((Dmitriy Kiva claims the An-70 has a payload of 35 tonnes, is even capable of carrying 47 tonnes, but the A400M carries only up to 30 tonnes.  In addition, the European airplane is limited to hard-surface, longer runways.  Kiva claims Russia is once more very interested in the An-70. ))

Source: 17.04.08, ARMS-TASS

Russian Helicopter Builders Awaiting French Defense Ministry Decision about Possible Purchase of Mi-26 Heavy Helicopters

((In addition, Rostvertol is planning to build 3 - 5 helicopters annually, and later 10 a year thanks to foreign orders.  Title says the rest.  Not further translated.))

Source: 16.04.08, ARMS-TASS

Deliveries Abroad of New Su-35 Fighters May Begin in 2010 - 2011

Deliveries to foreign customers of ultra-maneuverable Su-35 multirole fighters with the newer engine may begin in 2010 - 2011, a Rosoboronehksport representative reported today at the Dvigateli-2008 ((Engines-2008)) salon.

According to the specialist, the 117S engine, which was developed by the Saturn Scientific Production Association and is being installed on the latest version of the Su-35, deserves special attention. The engine imparts to the fighter the quality of a generation "4++" combat aircraft. NPO Saturn and the Ufa Motor Building Production Association are leading work together on the organization of 117S series production.  

Source: 15.04.08, Gazeta.RU

Russia and Brazil Sign Agreement on Joint Development of Fighters and Boosters for Satellite Launches

Russia and Brazil signed an agreement on 15 April about joint development of fighters and boosters for placing satellites into earth orbit. Brazil's minister for strategic problems, Mangabeira Ungera, announced. According to him, the "newest fifth generation jet fighter" will be developed jointly with the Russian side within the framework of the agreement that was reached. The contract also provides for the building and placing into service of boosters which are able to place various satellites into earth orbit.

Source: 16.04.08, ARMS-TASS

Engine for Fifth Generation Fighter to Be Created by 2015

The engine for the fifth generation fighter will be created by 2015, it has become known to an ARMS-TASS correspondent at the opening of the 10th international exhibition "Dvigateli 2008" ((Engines 2008)), which began operation today on the grounds of the All-Russian Exhibition Center.

According to a representative of Russia's air force headquarters, the engine's lead developer, who is supposed to  create a partnership of executors on the program, will be determined in the middle of 2009. The creation of an engine for the fifth generation fighter will be awarded to the firm that proposes the best project irrespective of the form of the enterprise's ownership.

At the present time, the air force representative pointed out, the engine for the fifth generation fighter is being developed by two groups of engine-building firms. The Moscow Salyut Machine Building Production Enterprise heads one of them, and the other - the partly state-owned Saturn Scientific and Production Association. Each of the firms is preparing its own engine variant for the competition.

Flight tests of the fifth generation engine, development of which the Sukhoy company is leading and a partnership of firms is being created by it, will be conducted using an engine already on-hand under the designation of "article 117S" until 2015.

"All flight performance of the fight generation fighter will be confirmed in flight tests with the 'article 117S' engine until 2015. When the new engine, which will have been created and tested by this time, is installed onto the airplane, a comparatively short period for completion of the airplane's tests and certification of the engine will be needed," the air force representative noted.

Source: 15.04.08, ARMS-TASS

Venezuela Will Obtain Transport Airplanes in Russia - Hugo Chavez

Venezuela's president, Hugo Chavez, has reported that the South American country will obtain transport airplanes in Russia.

Chavez noted that the United States is attempting to disarm Venezuela, recalling the embargo introduced in 2006 on the delivery of American arms and military equipment to the country. In particular, according to the president, the U.S. is sabotaging deliveries of spare parts for C-130 military transport airplanes.

The president emphasized that Venezuela "is buying only what is most necessary for maintaining the country's defense capability."

Right now there are Russian manufactured Su-30MK2 multirole fighters, Mi-35M and military transport Mi-17V-5 in Venezuela's inventory.

Chavez also has spoken out for the creation of South American defense council.

Source: 14.04.08, ARMS-TASS

It Is Planned to Build an Il-114-100T for Operation in Antarctica in 2009

((Using either PW-127 or TV7-117SM engine.  Not further translated.))

Source: 14.04.08, AviaPort.RU, Correspondent:  Dmitriy Kozlov

Creation of New Piston Aircraft Engines Envisioned in Future Plans of Aircraft Engine Building

((Two types of engines envisioned, rated at 60-90 horsepower and 270-320 horsepower.  Not further translated.))

Source: 14.04.08, AviaPort.RU, Correspondent:  Dmitriy Kozlov