MAKS airshow promises a series of innovations

One of the world’s largest airshows takes place in the town of Zhukovskiy in Moscow Region, between Aug. 27 and Sept. 1 — the International Air and Space Salon (MAKS) 2013. This year, a record number of companies are taking part, with more than 1,000 participants representing 43 countries.

This is a jubilee year for MAKS, as the first international exhibition was held back in 1993. Over the past 20 years, MAKS has not only become a huge venue for showcasing high technology from Russia, but it has also proved itself as a forum for attracting new partners in business.

The state corporation Rostec, which encompasses the majority of the largest Russian enterprises in the aerospace sector, traditionally acts as a general partner for the show. It is, for the most part, thanks to Rostec that the exhibition occupies a special position among the biggest airshows in the world today.

This year, 10 out of 13 holding companies that come under the corporation will be presenting their innovative products.

Advanced developments in navigation and handling for the MS-21 airliner, as well as unique equipment for the PAK-FA (T-50) fifth generation fighter, will be among the exhibits.

However, MAKS is not just business meetings and signing contracts. Many visitors come to Zhukovskiy because of the flying program, which is thought to be one of the most colorful in the world. This year, 82 Russian aircraft, as well as more than 20 foreign aircraft, are taking part.

Displaying their skills will be several famous Russian aerobatic teams: Rus, Sokoly Rossii (Russian Falcons), Strizhi (Swifts), Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights), and the Berkuty (Golden Eagles).

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The display by the company Russian Helicopters, which is giving the first-in-flight demonstration of the Ka-62 transport helicopter, promises to become an outstanding and memorable event. 

Visitors to MAKS will also enjoy the foreign participants. This year, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force aerobatic display team, August First, will be flying to Russia for the first time and demonstrating their Chinese-produced jet fighters.

The Breitling Jet Team — the largest civil aerobatic display team in Europe — will take part in the show for the first time this year. Meanwhile, the French air force, having already become a traditional airshow participant, will be demonstrating their Rafale fighters in the flying program.

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