Despite being barred from exhibiting at many of the world’s aviation exhibitions and trade shows, Russia’s aerospace industry projects a significant presence at the Dubai Airshow, with a large dedicated pavilion adjoining the static display. The industry’s attendance highlights the return to Dubai of the air and space force’s Russian Knights display team, which flies a mix of Sukhoi Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters.
United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), part of the Rostec State Corporation and encompassing the greater majority of Russia’s fixed-wing aircraft output, features a number of its products in the pavilion. One of them—the latest version of the Ilyushin Il-76 airlifter—has been a popular aircraft for both commercial and military cargo/airlift operations in the Middle East.
Although externally similar to previous iterations of the transport aircraft, the Il-76MD-90A(E) has undergone considerable modernization with new avionics and a glass cockpit. Aviadvigatel PS-90A-76 engines power the aircraft. UAC also promotes the related Il-78MK-90A military tanker/transport version.
Russia’s other major airframer, Russian Helicopters, also is well represented. Designs from Kamov on show include the Ansat light helicopter, Ka-32A11M heavy multi-purpose helicopter, and Ka-52E attack/scout. Mil has brought the Mi-171A3 utility transport, while the Orlan-30 fixed-wing and BAS-200 rotary-wing UAVs appear in the static display.