The full interview to Slyusar:
Head of the UAC: we plan to grow the civilian sector and create a new generation of combat platforms
Yuri Slyusar on the new corporate identity of the corporation and the UAC development strategy for the near future-in an interview with TASS
Today, Russia faces more than ever the issue of technological independence, especially in such an important issue as aviation. The vast territory of our country requires a developed fleet of civil aviation fleets. To achieve the goals set by the President of the Russian Federation, a special military operation requires, among other things, modern and strong military aviation. TASS spoke with UAC CEO Yuri Slyusar at the Army-2022 international military-technical forum about how Rostec's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will develop during this difficult time. The head of the UAC spoke about the new corporate identity of the corporation, presented at the forum, and the UAC development strategy for the near future, as well as the planned pace of construction of civil airliners and plans to create a single-engine Checkmate fighter and a marine modification of the Su-57.
- Yuri Borisovich, tell us what are the priorities of the UAC today? Now the corporation's aircraft are actively taking part in the military special operation in Ukraine. Does the aviation industry study the experience of combat use of vehicles? Which machines showed the greatest efficiency based on the results of application?
— We have two areas of work-military and civil. Today, UAC specialists ensure the use of aircraft during a special military operation, performing all the necessary work at the request of the Ministry of Defense. We are focused on fully providing our Armed Forces with everything they need-from the current tasks of repairing and servicing aviation equipment, upgrading it, to accelerating the scale of production of the latest operational and tactical aircraft.
As for learning from experience. Any armed conflict is the subject of an in-depth analysis in order to determine further directions for the development of technology. We have done such work, for example, following the operation in the Syrian Arab Republic.
In Ukraine, a variety of weapons of the United States and Western European countries, including air defense systems, are actively used against us. Under these conditions, it seems necessary to further increase the capabilities of aircraft in terms of using weapons with a long launch range, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, data processing and transmission, etc. Our designers have made significant progress in these areas, but we must not stop there — we must move forward.
Why are new jobs needed? By the beginning of the century, the Russian Federation and Ukraine had comparable aircraft types: Su-24M, Su-25, Su-27, MiG-29. However, in Russia, unlike in Ukraine, over the past 15-20 years, new aircraft have been developed and put into mass production: Su-30SM, Su-34, Su-35S, Su-57 and others. This made it possible to significantly increase the capabilities of our aircraft and ensure success on the battlefield.
The question about the effectiveness of the application is still more correct to ask our customers in the Ministry of Defense. We can see that the Su-35S have no equal in aerial combat, that the Su-34s destroy important ground targets with high-precision weapons, and that the Su-25s once again demonstrate unique combat survivability, that is, the solutions laid down by the designers turned out to be correct.
The work of our aircraft has repeatedly been highly appreciated, and pilots performing combat missions have been awarded the highest state awards. Together, we make a common contribution to achieving the goals set by the President of the Russian Federation.
— How is the situation developing in the civilian segment?
— Our key task is to give wings to the Motherland. This is not only a new opportunity, but also a big responsibility. Previously, we were in a constant situation of fighting for our own home market with foreign manufacturers. Now they are leaving, and foreign-made aircraft will gradually drop out of the fleet of Russian airlines. And our task is to ensure the mass production of the required number of passenger aircraft in a short time, to ensure guaranteed transport connectivity of the country.
In order to significantly increase production, we will have to organize retrofitting and pre-production at an accelerated pace, and scale up its capabilities. These are the key points on which we are focusing our efforts: accelerated import substitution and mass production of new civil aircraft in all key segments-from regional turboprop to long-haul jet aircraft of various dimensions. Fortunately, we have something to scale. It is important that we now have a guaranteed, state-supported demand for our civil aircraft on the domestic market.
Today, airlines have a lot of foreign equipment. Nevertheless, as the Superjet-NEW, MS-21, Il-114-300 enter mass production, and the Tu-214 production volumes increase, the Russian market will be saturated with Russian aircraft, while foreign ones will gradually drop out.
The first area of work of Russian aircraft manufacturers today is maintaining the serviceability of the existing fleet of Superjet 100 aircraft. This is about 150 aircraft, they serve as the main jet vehicle on regional routes. This work is carried out together with airlines, and there is a roadmap for joint actions for each operator.
For several years, spare parts depots have been created on a planned basis, so the repair and maintenance system is functioning. We are actively working on sensitive areas, including improving our repair skills.
Aircraft manufacturers ensure the sustainable operation of production and the maximum possible acceleration of the start of serial production of import-substituted aircraft.
In 2023, we plan the first flight of the russified Superjet modification (SSJ NEW). Taking into account the production cycle and accelerating the implementation of the import substitution program-including the engine, avionics equipment and other systems and assemblies-it is planned to enter mass production of the Russified aircraft by 2024.
According to MS-21, the key task is to start production of the machine in the Russian version in 2024.
— Within the framework of the Army-2022 forum, UAC presented its new corporate identity. What is the reason for this? Why now?
— We have been working towards this for several years. UAC as part of Rostec is undergoing a busy stage of reloading. Over the past few years, the company has undergone many significant changes. An important factor was the merger of UAC, Sukhoi and MIG into a single structure in June of this year. But we also have more fundamental prerequisites.
We have recently adopted a new development strategy. It involves significant changes in the field of production — the development and technical re-equipment of our enterprises. It tells us which promising areas of development of our products are key for us, defines the product range for decades to come. It places a significant emphasis on the challenges of digitalization. The strategy defines the corporate development horizon for the future. In the project pool, there is a significant increase in the civilian component of the business — building a full-fledged product line in all key segments. Considerable attention is paid to the development of next-generation military platforms. As well as hybrid and driverless themes.
UAC is the lifting force of the high-tech sector of the economy. These are 92 thousand professionals, new technologies and solutions. These are new jobs and orders for a variety of partner industries-from chemistry and metallurgy to electronics and the production of new materials.
We improve the efficiency of asset management. To accelerate the implementation of advanced solutions and technologies, and increase the speed of decision-making, we are transforming. UAC is being transformed from a holding company into an operating company. Control levels are reduced. The focus of attention on the design block, on the teams that generate the product and market solutions, is getting stronger! The core of the new combined company is UAC, Sukhoi and MiG, which have become a single structure. A tight management loop is being built for the companies "Tupolev", "Ilyushin", and "Irkut". In fact, UAC incorporates legendary schools and design practices, outstanding brands and know-how into the updated DNA of a single structure. Today, the Corporation is primarily a structure focused on the development and creation of advanced aviation complexes.
We are facing new challenges. This applies to the external and internal markets, product demand and its structure. This applies to the technology landscape and partnerships. This applies to the development of enterprises in the regions where they operate as points of industrial and technological growth.
Finally, we adopted a new HR strategy. Our employees are our key asset. This is the main message of our new HR strategy. UAC design bureaus are the place where a talented specialist with bold ideas can realize their potential. A pool of promising projects and best practices create the necessary conditions for this.
Aircraft manufacturing enterprises should become centers of attraction for talents. To do this, we raise wages and, together with regional authorities, implement programs to improve the working and living conditions of our employees.
All these changes together form a qualitative transition of the UAC to a new level of development. From our point of view, it is important to convey the key meanings of the changes that are taking place and tell about the future goals not only to our employees, but also to our partners and the entire market.
Therefore, a new corporate identity has become an important component of the ongoing transformation of UAC. It reflects the essence of the changes and is aimed at easier, direct, open and comfortable communication with our brand.
It is based on the blue color-common to all our design teams named after the great aircraft designers — our founding fathers. In addition, it is the color of the sky — our element. It is in flight that our technologies gain their full power. In the new "identity" of the UAC, there is also a pronounced vector-aspiration to the future, using the image of the aircraft of the future — a flying wing.
It is very important that a single corporate identity will now be shared across all UAC Group assets. This represents an important transition for us — further development of the corporation will take place in the format of a single family, a single platform. This will allow us to focus our efforts on achieving ambitious goals and open up new opportunities for synergy between the UAC specialist teams.
- The topic of unmanned aircraft is very popular now. Does the UAC plan to create an unmanned aviation division?
— It is worth noting that not only the UAC, but also various other organizations are developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military, civil and dual-use purposes. Since the development of unmanned aerial vehicles uses competencies and experience in creating manned aircraft, their development is carried out in the divisions of manned aviation and this structure is the most effective.
Of course, the experience of the operation in the Syrian Arab Republic and the experience of using it in the military special operation in Ukraine are taken into account when forming the requirements, appearance and tactical scenarios of use.
— Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the Russian military may soon receive strategic drones. What kind of drones are we talking about?
— At the request of the Russian Defense Ministry, a number of unmanned aircraft systems are currently being created, including the S-70 Okhotnik, which belongs to front-line aviation. Its distinctive feature is low visibility and the use of on-board radio-electronic equipment that widely implements elements of artificial intelligence.
— Have the frequency tests of the prototype of the Okhotnik UAV been completed?
- Ground tests, of which frequency tests are a part, are conducted in accordance with the program. Currently, ground tests are intensively underway.
— The head of the Rostec State Corporation, Sergey Chemezov, promised to start delivering Okhotnik attack drones to the military as early as 2023. How many cars should be delivered in 2023? When will mass production of these drones be launched?
— To date, as part of the ongoing development work, two prototypes have been built, flight tests will begin this year, and it is planned to sign a state contract for the start of serial deliveries from 2024.
— Has a new ground control center been created for the Okhotnik drone?
— According to the program schedule, a number of sets of ground control points for the S-70 have been created at the moment, which are designed in accordance with the customer's requirements.
— That year, UAC introduced the Su-75 Checkmate single-engine light fighter. What is currently being done on the program of this aircraft? Have you already created a cooperative team that will participate in the creation of the fighter?
— The Checkmate project is at the stage of pre-production of the first prototypes. The basis of the project is formed, proven over the years, joint work, cooperation. The aircraft is created on a modular basis with an optional implementation of system elements. Due to this, the Checkmate project uses the best ready-made developments of the fifth generation.
During the time that has passed since the project was presented at MAKS-2021, work has been organized to receive feedback from potential customers. In addition to additional requirements from customers, work was carried out to optimize the cost and analyze individual technical solutions, which significantly increased competitiveness, commercial attractiveness, and also reduced technical risks when creating a domestic single-engine aircraft.
Based on these works, changes were made to the project, which also adjusted the timing of the first departure. But at the same time, the principle of modularity and modern digital technologies made it possible to make these changes in the shortest possible time, and we plan to start testing in 2024.
— Earlier it was stated that in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, work is underway to create several prototypes of Checkmate. How many machines are being created?
— In the Checkmate project, we use modern supercomputing technologies, which significantly reduces the construction time of a prototype and ensures the start of flight tests as early as 2024. Preparation for the production of two prototypes has now begun. In total, it is planned to build four prototypes.
— When do you plan to create an unmanned version of Checkmate?
— The unmanned version of Checkmate is being developed from the early design stages. Even now, the basic (single-seat) aircraft includes technical solutions that reduce the development time of the unmanned version.
The unmanned modification will significantly increase the efficiency of existing aircraft, eliminating the risk of loss of flight personnel. An unmanned version can be created simultaneously with a single-seat aircraft. The groundwork for the unmanned aircraft in terms of flight tests will be formed as part of advanced work on the manned version.
— What are the results of negotiations with the Ministry of Defense regarding the new Checkmate light fighter, as well as its unmanned version? Did the agency become a customer of the aircraft?
— The Su-75 is being created primarily as an export aircraft. We predict a fairly large niche in the global market. We are planning joint work and fruitful cooperation to support the work of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
At the same time, the implemented characteristics, including in terms of range and combat load, make it possible to use the Su-75 for the tasks of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and ensure the minimum cost of operation. And with the use of an unmanned version, an additional expansion of the capabilities of existing aviation complexes of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation is being implemented.
— If we talk about the fifth-generation Su-57 multi-role fighter that is already being delivered to the troops, how are its deliveries progressing? How many Su-57s will be delivered to the military this year?
— As part of the signed state contract with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation for mass production of the Su-57, four aircraft have been built to date. This year it is planned to deliver the next batch of aircraft. UAC works with related companies in accordance with the concluded state contract.
— At what stage is the development of the Su-57 two-seat command fighter designed to control the S-70 Okhotnik spacecraft? What is the advantage of controlling a UAV using such an aircraft in comparison with a ground command post?
— We are in the active phase of interaction with the customer. A significant advantage of the two-seat version of the Su-57 can be new tactical capabilities when operating with UAVs for various purposes, which allows you to get a synergistic effect when performing special tasks.
— Is work underway to create a deck-based version of the Su-57 for naval aviation of the Russian Navy?
— The naval doctrine of the Russian Federation is supposed to ensure the possibility of building modern aircraft-carrying warships. From our point of view, the most promising is the construction of an aviation group of such ships based on the fifth-generation aircraft, as well as the use of drones. The groundwork created under the Su-57 program allows us to solve the tasks of naval aviation of the Russian Navy in the shortest possible time.
- This year, the legendary Tupolev Design Bureau celebrates its 100th anniversary. What are the prospects for KB development?
- Indeed, in 2022, our first in terms of time of creation, the great Tupolev Design Bureau, turns 100 years old. We decided to label this date with the slogan "The first hundred". Because the Tupolev Design Bureau is not only key dates for the development of domestic aviation, the most important turns in the development of aviation technologies and important historical milestones, but also a long-term perspective.
Today, the company "Tupolev" is a dynamically developing UAC enterprise that creates products of the future. This year we celebrate the anniversary — the first hundred steps in the development of the Tupolev Design Bureau - and open a new page — the next 100 steps in the development of the Tupolev legacy, which will be translated into new solutions, technologies and products.
— Are there still plans to transfer the first Tu-160M missile carrier built from scratch to the military department?
— Not just saved, but executed.
— At the Army-2021 forum, the Russian Defense Ministry signed a contract with UAC for the modernization of Tu-95MS aircraft. Has work already started?
- The work is being carried out in accordance with the schedule. The first vehicle will be delivered to the Ministry of Defense on time according to the state contract.
— UAC has launched production of the first twenty Tu-214 aircraft. How many aircraft are planned to be produced by the end of the year? Who will these planes be delivered to?
— It was decided to increase the serial production of Tu-214 aircraft to ten units per year. We are really launching a batch of 20 cars for the next few years together with our cooperation partners. Decisions about this have been made.
Construction of new aircraft has already begun. The first aircraft of this batch is located in the slipways of the aggregate assembly. The workshops produce parts for subsequent aircraft. The program provides for the delivery of the first aircraft in 2023.
We and the national carrier — Aeroflot Group — are finalizing details on the delivery of domestic aviation equipment at a new stage. We expect to reach the relevant agreements in the near future.
— Are there any plans to upgrade this aircraft: perhaps it will receive more modern avionics or other parts? Are there plans for a deeper modernization of the aircraft?
- The Tu-214 has been in production for quite a long time. At one time, the aircraft was well operated in the airlines "Far Eastern Airlines", "Krasnoyarsk Airlines", "Transaero". Showed a good raid.
Quite a long time has passed since the release of the first copies of the aircraft. Naturally, the technique does not stand still. The machine is constantly updated. The extreme aircraft that were put into operation by the plant, of course, differ both in the level of special aircraft equipment that is necessary for pilots, and in the level of comfort for passengers. We use new lighting equipment, seats, luggage racks that meet international requirements, and an air conditioning system. The aircraft in operation will be quite comfortable for passengers.
Interviewed by Milena Sineva, Roman Azanov, Maria Amirjanyan
https://tass.ru/interviews/15472119
Re: "Army-2022" International Military-Technical Forum
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