Rosoboronexport, the state-owned company in charge of promoting and selling Russian military equipment abroad, signed 13 export contracts, worth approximately € 1 billion, during the first 2 days of MAKS 2021.
As reported by the Rostec publication (of which Rosoboronexport is a part), the company’s order book includes Sukhoi Su-30SME fighter jets, Mil Mi-35M and Mi-17V5 combat helicopters, short-range anti-aircraft missiles Verba, as well as electronic media and various armored vehicles.
In addition to the new Russian fighter, the Checkmate, which will logically be the star of this edition of MAKS, Rosoboronexport made presentations of the main advanced models of aircraft, helicopters, air defense and electronic warfare equipment for more than 30 delegations from 20 countries.
During the negotiations at MAKS-2021, the company’s foreign partners showed interest in purchasing MiG-35D and Su-30SME fighters, Il-76MD-90A military transport aircraft, Il-78MK-90A tanker aircraft, Mi -28NE, Ka-52, Mi-171Sh and Ka-226T multipurpose military transport helicopters, as well as air defense systems, including the Pantsir-S1 air defense missile system.
As part of the negotiations on the sidelines of the airshow, Rosoboronexport discussed with clients from the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Latin America, Africa and CIS region on the questions of the industrial association in the joint and authorized production of Russian combat aircraft and helicopters, as well as the modernization of previously supplied aircraft.
“Naturally, Rosoboronexport partners were interested in the new Checkmate light tactical aircraft, first unveiled by Rostec State Corporation at MAKS-2021. Several customers were shown live and even given the opportunity to sit in the cabin. They greatly appreciated its features,” said Alexander Mikheev, Managing Director of Rosoboronexport.
Other news from MAKS 2021
New Mi-171A3
The prototype of the Mi-171A3 was unveiled, which is the first Russian helicopter designed primarily for offshore operations. It is designed in accordance with the standards of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP).
The maximum take-off weight will be in the order of 13 tons. The Mi-171A3 meets the most demanding requirements to ensure the safety of flights over large areas of the water.
In particular, it will be equipped with a crash resistant fuel system, an automatic water landing system and life rafts. To operate the helicopter even in the most difficult weather conditions, an integrated flight and navigation complex will be installed, with a modern “glass cockpit” and digital navigation equipment.
The helicopter will be available in two configurations. The first is for the transport of up to 24 passengers and cargo of up to 5 tons, and the second is for search and rescue operations (SAR), additionally it can be equipped with medical equipment. If necessary, the operator will be able to independently convert the cargo and passenger helicopter into a search and rescue helicopter.
Presentation of the Orion-E drone
There was also the public presentation of the Orion-E, a UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) developed for exploration, reconnaissance and ground attack.
The maximum takeoff weight of the drone is one ton and the maximum payload weight is 200 kg. At the same time, the flight duration on a standard charge is 24 hours, and its level flight speed is up to 200 km/h.
The Orions are already being delivered to the Russian Armed Forces, but in this new variant presented, it already has a satellite data link (SATCOM) and that it can be equipped with the supersonic anti-tank missile Vihr- 1, used on the Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters.
According to the Russian media Izvestia, the new Orion-E would have received 15 purchase orders from foreign countries.
ZALA VTOL
Another news was the presentation of the ZALA, a UAS that can fly like an airplane, but take off and land like a helicopter.
According to TASS, the ZALA VTOL combines the properties of an airplane-type and helicopter-type drone, being able to change the flight configuration according to the assigned mission.
“The electric propulsion system allows the aircraft to stay in the air for up to four hours, providing a range of up to 200 km,” said the developer company’s press service.
The ZX1 integrated on-board computer, based on artificial intelligence, makes it possible to process data in Full HD format and transmit HD videos and photos through encrypted communication links to a ground control station.
The main function of ZALA VTOL is the monitoring and aerial photography of any place or area with difficult access. “It can be used to monitor industrial infrastructure, create photographic maps of an area and support the security of ground facilities. The UAV is already in service in Latin American states,” the company said.
UAC and Shvabe signed an agreement for the Checkmate optronic system
United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and the Shvabe holding, both part of Rostec State Corporation, signed an agreement to develop and supply the KOEPS-75 optical-electronic sighting system for the Sukhoi Checkmate.
“The key factors in successfully completing the task of equipping the new Russian fighter with optoelectronic equipment are quality, economy and working time. The Shvabe holding has all the necessary skills to solve the tasks that are set before us. We thank our colleagues at the AUC for their trust and the fact that they have chosen us as executors,” said Alexei Patrikeev, member of the Bureau of the Union of Mechanical Engineers of Russia.
The technical characteristics of the KOEPS-75 were not commented, but surely it is about (or is composed of) the optronic advanced sighting and aiming sensor, located under the fuselage of the Checkmate.
