Friday, February 4, 2011

Air Force MMRCA Competition Contenders to Turn Out at Aero India 2011


All six fighter jet contenders for the USD 11 billion Air Force Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal will showcase full flight displays at Aero India 2011 scheduled to be held between February 9th and 13th at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bangaluru (Bangalore).

The six contenders -- Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin F-16, MiG-35, Dassault Rafale, EADS Eurofighter Typhoon and SAAB Grippen -- will each bring two to three aircraft along with elaborate teams and flight simulators for display. India is expected to make its choice around July 2011 and will ink the USD11 billion deal. The contenders for the MMRCA contract for 126 aircraft will be making a final attempt to impress the Indian Air Force and the Indian public at the upcoming Aero India 2011.

Each company is expected to bring along at least two competing aircraft as well as competent teams and flight simulators for display. Russia's contender, the MiG-35 Fulcrum-F, is an export version of the MiG-29M OVT fighter jet. It is a highly maneuverable air superiority fighter, which has already won high acclaim among aircraft industry and military experts.

The fighter is powered by RD-33 OVT thrust vectoring engines. The RD-33 OVT engines provide superior maneuverability and enhance the fighter's performance in close air engagements. India is expected to make its choice in July this year. Moscow earlier said if MiG-35 wins the tender, Russia is ready to transfer all key technology to India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and provide assistance for the production of the aircraft in the country.

Aero India-2011, which will be held in the southern city of Bangalore on February 11-15, is most likely to attract the record number of leading manufacturers, vendors and suppliers from 63 countries.

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