Sukhoi's famous vectored-thrust Su-37 was prevented from showing off its capabilities at Paris this year after the Russian Ministry of Defence refused permission for it to be released from testing.
Sukhoi Design Bureau chief Mikhail Seemonov said at Paris yesterday that the aircraft was in the middle of a 'difficult' testing programme of its vector thrust and fly-by wire systems.
"I hoped it would have been here," he says, adding: "We want you to come and see it at the air show in Moscow in August."
Seemonov says the bureau is pressing ahead with work on a number of civil and military projects. He claims its Su-80 regional transport has orders for 600 aircraft from the Far East and Brazil.
Reports that MiG, Sukhoi's rival, has recently flown its new advanced Article 1.42 fighter receive a bullish response from Seemonov: "We offer better aircraft for the market."
The legendary Russian designer says he is impressed with the advanced Airbus technology he has seen at Paris and confirms that he would like to cooperate in the Airbus Industries A3XX very large aircraft project.
When asked if this is part of the bureau's attempts to diversify into the civil market, he says: "It is too early to say, but the question is right. No single government can develop all the items, engines, avionics or electronics."
He is keen to promote foreign exports. However, he specifically rules out new aircraft sales to Iran. Any exports will also comply with United Nations rules, he says.
Source: Flight Daily News