Maksim covers aerospace developments in Central Asia for Aviation Week. He has worked for Russia's Air Transport Observer magazine and was in charge of several ATO sister aerospace publications after working for the Moscow-based CAST defense think tank.
Maksim has a degree in international relations from MGIMO University, Moscow.
MOSCOW — Russia is preparing for the Farnborough International Airshow this summer at full strength, despite fears that the country’s appearance at this major event may be restricted if further escalation of tensions in Ukraine induces new sanctions against Russian companies or individuals. During a special meeting April 18, the industrial conglomerate Rostec gave a green light to Russian companies to participate in the air show, a spokesman for subsidiary Rosoboronexport, the Russian government arms trading agency, confirms.
MOSCOW — Russia’s fifth-generation fighter, the Sukhoi T-50, soon will receive a new engine. The first demonstration prototype of this powerplant, dubbed Item 30, will be assembled in early 2015, said Vyacheslav Masalov, CEO of United Engine Corporation, a merger of Russia’s engine design and manufacturing facilities. The first assembly parts and components of Item 30, such as its compressor, will begin testing at the end of this year, he added.
MOSCOW — Russian jet maker Sukhoi will continue to increase the combat capabilities of the Su-35 fighter while the aircraft starts its operational testing with the Russian air force. The manufacturer expects these new-generation upgraded fighters to serve with the air force alongside another Sukhoi product, the T-50. The latter is expected to be ready for operational testing in 2016.
