Andrzej Jeziorski/SINGAPORE
Romanian upgrade specialist Aerostar is in talks with RSK MiG on a possible merger of the Romanian MiG-29 Sniper and Russian MiG-29SMT up-grade programmes.
Aerostar president and general director Grigore Filip says: "We have no final decision or agreement, but we think the co-operation [will focus] in future on mixed solutions which incorporate features of the Sniper and the SMT. It is possible some customers will prefer the Sniper avionics system, but will also require increased fuel capacity."
News of the talks comes weeks after RSK general director Nikolai Nikitin publicly blasted Aerostar for not including the manufacturer among its partners. The Sniper programme includes EADS Germany and Israel's Elbit Systems.
"All the partners are convinced that the MiG-29 upgrade programme will become a European programme. All of us are prepared to discuss co-operation," says Filip.
Aerostar has completed first phase flight testing of the single Sniper prototype, including the qualification of new avionics and operational safety aspects of Sniper's performance. The test aircraft has flown 30h since it first flew on 5 May, and Filip says testing will be lighter in the second phase.
The coming test phase will include checks on "some of the optional systems" available to customers. These could include alternative navigation computers and displays, but will not include weapons systems tests, which Filip says are too expensive.
Aerostar has targeted the Romanian air force as a key customer. The air force provided an airframe for the demonstrator programme, and has 17 other aircraft, which could require upgrading. Filip says he expects a decision from the Romanian air force "in 2002-2003".
Deliveries could begin "very soon" after a contract is signed, as the air force is not expected to order the full upgrade.
The Sniper programme combines structural life-extension modifications with Elbit avionics similar to those installed in the MiG-21 Lancer upgrade for the Romanian air force.
Also included in the package are: a new mission computer, communications and navigation systems, transponder, multi-function displays, radar warning receiver, hands-on throttle and stick controls and an air data computer.
RSK MiG has linked with EADS Germany to offer the MiG-29SMT to Austria to meet that country's longstanding fighter replacement needs. MiG and EADS already have a joint venture - MiG Aircraft Production Support which offers upgrades for older MiG-29 Fulcrums - but they have not previously joined to bid new aircraft.Source: Flight International
