08.07.2003 20:09
ANTONOV DESIGN BUREAU TO PRESENT ON-SITE AN-70 AT MAKS-2003

As decided preliminarily, Antonov Design Bureau will present its on-site An-70 at the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2003 to be held in the town of Zhukovskoe in August, its press service informed Defense Express.

The company will also feature information and the model of a new An-148 since the aircraft design program is largely aimed at Russia.

As the press service marks, at present An-148 construction is meeting its previously scheduled terms. It is to be completed by the end of the year, its maiden flight expected in February 2004.

According to MAKS-2003 organization committee, more than 550 Russian and foreign companies will take part in the air show. During the first three days, just like at Le Bourget, the air show will be attended by representatives of various companies and business visitors. Later it will be open for all the willing.

Organizers promise the unique summer program to be extended in comparison with the previous show. Scheduled are joint flights to be made by Italian, French, U.S. and Russian pilots. Aerobatics will be demonstrated by the "Russian Knights" group and Patrouille de France, the French elite group. Talks on participation of the U.S. Air Force are also underway.