MAKS-2005 Makes $1B for Russian Firms

IL-76MF vs. C-130H In the aftermath of the MAKS-2005 exhibition near Moscow, Russian firms managed to book nearly $1 billion in orders – including major contracts for jet engines and air transport planes. India signed a $350 million deal to equip the new HJT-39 combat-trainer of the Indian Air Force with the Saturn AL-55I engine. It will replace the French Larsac engine currently being used in HJT-36 prototypes. Jordan, meanwhile, purchased a pair of stretched Ilyushin IL-76MF military transports for $100 million. Note that the capacity of the IL-76MF variant is approximately 70-80% of an American C-17 Globemaster III in an aircraft with comparable range, and that this deal places them at approximately one-quarter of a C-17’s cost. MI-28NE King Abdullah has also reportedly expressed interest in Russian attack helicopters (reports did not specify whether this was the MI-35 Hind variant, the MI-28N “Havoc” or the ultra-advanced Ka-50 “Black Shark” under consideration by Turkey), and in SU-31 piston engine aerobatic aircraft. In other news, EADS finally committed EUR 50 million (USD $62 million) to buying 10% of Irkut Corp., the privately controlled maker of Sukhoi fighter jets. Irkut will also be integrated into Airbus A350 production, in a deal that […]