ZHUKOVSKY, Moscow Region. Aug 9 (Interfax-AVN) - Practical steps are being taken in preparation for the MAKS-2003 International Aerospace Show in Zhukovsky, Moscow region.
The Russian Aviation and Space Agency will run the show on the Cabinet's orders on August 19-24, Yuri Nagayev, director general of the Aviasalon JSC, told the press on Friday.
Deputy Director General of the Aviation and Space Agency Valery Voskoboinikov will chair the MAKS-2003 Organizing Committee, he said. The committee also comprises heads of ministries, departments, the largest research and production centers of the aerospace industry. Practical steps in preparation for the show are being taken by the Aviation and Space Agency, Gromov flight research institute and Aviasalon JSC.
Experts expect over 500 companies from over 30 countries to attend the exhibition, Nagayev said in response to a question from Interfax-Military News Agency. They will demonstrate their achievements in development of military- and civil-purpose aircraft, onboard and ground equipment for them, navigation and flight control systems, rescue and life support assets, aircraft engines, new technologies and materials.
The section devoted to missile systems, spacecraft and air defense systems will be expanded considerably. Armament and military hardware of the Land Forces and, Navy, communication assets and computer technologies will be exhibited at the show for the first time.
"Demonstration flights of civil and military aircraft will take place in the framework of MAKS-2003. In particular, the air show will involve famous aerobatics teams such as Russkiye Vityazi, Strizhi, Rus, Nebesnye Rytsari and Lyotchiki-Ispytateli LII.
The area covered by the show's exhibits will expand 25 percent, Nagayev said. There will be 37 pavilions with a total area of 31,000 square meters, 52 chalets with a total area of 4,000 square meters and open-air facilities with a total area of 200,000 square meters. The parking lot will have an area of 8,500 square meters.
"The up-to-date flight security system in operation at the Gromov institute's airfield meets all international standards. It will be active when demonstration flights of aerobatics teams will take place," Nagayev concluded.