Russia's United Aircraft expects that there will be worldwide demand for 300 of its fighter jets over the next five years.
The company, which is responsible for both the Sukhoi and MiG aircraft types, says that this forecast takes into account the various fighters that it manufactures. These include the Sukhoi Su-30, Su-34 and Su-35, as well as the MiG 29s and MiG-35s.
Of the 300 aircraft, 60% will be for the international market and 40% for the various Russian armed services for deliver up to 2015, says Mikhail Pogosyan, chief executive of Sukhoi Aircraft.
"We have a long history in this market and this believe that our price, quality and service will continue to appeal to existing customers and bring us new ones," he adds.
Giving an update on the progress of various programmes, he adds that the company plans to deliver another four Su-34s this year to the Russian air force, in addition to the two that are already in service. The production rate will eventually be ramped up to 12-20 annually, with the service eventually expected to have up to 200 of the type.
One of the most anticipated fighters is the Su-35, which is undergoing tests and has completed 270 flights in 350 flight hours. These have confirmed a service ceiling of 62,300ft (19,000m), speed of Mach 2.5 and a radar target detection range of over 215nm (400km).
Russia has ordered 48 aircraft, and Pogosyan says: "We have done a lot to start the delivery of the aircraft to our air force and this will take place soon. We also anticipate that there will be a contract for an international customer by the end of this year."
Potential export customers include Malaysia, Algeria, Vietnam, Libya and Venezuela.
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Source: Flight Daily News
