Some parts on military aircraft from interview with the President of PJSC UAC Yuri Slyusar
Military still have not abandoned the production of IL-96 in the version of the tanker?
No, the project is on the agenda. The development of this project involves the creation of a whole multifunctional complex. This project is interesting for us, besides, this is an extension of life to the Il-96 family.
What about the contract for the IL-76MD-90A in the interests of the RF Ministry of Defense? It is known that there were problems with calculation and calculation materials (RCM).
The serial contract was signed before the signing of the contract for development work. In the process of clarifying the technical appearance, it became obvious that the price set in the serial contract does not cover production costs and minimal profitability. Now we are introducing the new RCM. The customer was given three cars under a serial contract, but so far in a simplified form. OCD is over in 2019. In 2018, we will connect the fourth car to testing. At the beginning of next year, we will hand over a promising tanker, next year we intend to produce three cars, in 2019 - five, and then together with the refuellers should reach the level of production to 12 aircraft per year. There is an additional interest on the part of customers from those countries where the IL-76 is currently in operation.
What can you say on the basis of the operation of Su-35S fighters and Su-34 bombers in Syria?
There were requests from the military for further improvement. We appreciate this because we have a unique opportunity to formulate concrete questions on the basis of the results of operation in real combat conditions, we are working on solving them. But the main thing that I can say calmly and confidently is that the planes have confirmed the inherent characteristics. They showed themselves not at the test site, but in real conditions. As a result, Su-34 and Su-35 already have an interest in foreign customers.
Program PAK FA in what state?
Nine flight copies are made, we will produce three more - and we will execute the contract for ROC. In 2019 we have to supply the first sample to the troops.
Under the new state armaments program, what types of combat aircraft will be procured?
MiG-35, Su-30SM, Su-34, Su-35S - all of our advanced line.
A MiG-35 in the ship version will be?
It all depends on the customers.
An additional order for a ship MiG-29K military do not want to do?
So far, the existing composition is sufficient. But if the military raise the issue of expanding the aircraft carrier group, we are ready to participate.
The resumption of production of the Su-33 in principle is not planned?
A number of ideas are being discussed. But it seems to me that light decked fighters could fully provide the functionality that was previously provided by heavy ones.
Prospects for the Be-200 amphibious aircraft as you see it?
Within the framework of the current contract with the Ministry of Emergency Situations, we have a firm order for six aircraft, plus six they still want to order. There are foreign customers: Thailand, Indonesia, signed a contract with Argentina, signed a contract with China. China ordered two aircraft, two more are provided with an option. We are negotiating with the Chileans. Although, as I was taught by experienced people, advance payment is the best confirmation of strong friendship. Approximately for the next few years there is an order for 10-12 cars.
Is the military machine interesting?
Yes, we are updating the contract now. I hope that the whole order will be for five or six aircraft. In general, the Be-200 is a unique machine: it would be possible to make a squadron that will fly around the world, extinguish fires, save people, improve the ecology. This is a weighty reputational plus, when Russian aircraft help save people and nature. It is clear that it will cost money and talk about full self-sufficiency is difficult. A similar idea, incidentally, was discussed jointly with the French, we had a joint venture where we were engaged in the European certification of the Be-200. Unfortunately, all this was suspended, but in the conditions of the renewal of Russian-French relations, maybe we will really return to this. For us, an additional order for such machines would be very useful. Be-200 is not a suitcase without a handle. This is a unique aircraft, this is the development of the competence for hydroaviation, this is, finally, the loading of the enterprise in Taganrog.
What about the replacement of the Ukrainian engine with the Be-200? The French said that they are interested in participating in such a project, putting on the Be-200 "pop-up" version of the SaM-146. But they have no money for this project: that is, they only hope for the Russian budget.
While we are discussing different options with the United Engine-Building Corporation and foreign partners. It is important to minimize the potential costs of time and money.