KAZAN. Jan 20 (Interfax-AVN) - The production facilities of the Kazan Aircraft Production Association are ready to serially produce Tupolev Tu-160M2 strategic bombers of a new design, the company's top managers reported to the Russian defense minister, General of the Army Sergei Shoigu.
Construction of the first one is underway, as is the delivery of all parts required for assembly of the subsequent aircraft, the minister was told.
Shoigu noted at an earlier meeting that the task is under special control, with progress reports being made on a weekly basis.
While touring the plant, the defense minister was shown brand new equipment for mechanical assembly and welding of large-size titanium-alloy units.
Shoigu pointed out to the company managers that not only the machinery but all of the enterprise's production facilities must be renewed and repaired to be up for task.
The minister was promised that all shortcomings he detected will be eliminated in the near future.
Shoigu checked on the progress in fulfillment of the government order to repair and upgrade Tu-160 strategic missile-carriers and Tu-22M3 long-range bombers and to build Tu-214 aircraft of varying modifications for the Russian Defense Ministry.
The minister was told that the plant will soon hand over to the ministry a second Tu-214ON for use under the international treaty for open skies. One such machine was handed over to the Aerospace Forces earlier.