Russian Lunar Probes to Be Equipped with GLONASS Computers

The space stations to be used in the Luna-Glob project will be equipped with the new onboard computers that have been integrated into the systems of the GLONASS orbit group. This came in a statement by Maksim Martynov, the deputy general designer of the Lavochkin Research and Production Association.

“The Luna-Glob program is currently being restarted after the failure of the Fobos-Grunt. In 2013, we plan to work out a supplement to the conceptual design of the onboard control system in order to increase its performance capabilities,” Mr. Martynov stated.

It has been previously planned to equip these lunar vehicles with the on-board computers produced by Techcom. It should be noted that the same systems were used in the Fobos-Grunt, which had been launched to Mars but was stuck on the Earth’s orbit due to the computer malfunction.

According to Mr. Martynov, now the lunar vehicles will be equipped with computer systems manufactured by NTC Module. He also added that it’s planned to begin testing the first lunar system, Luna-Glob-1 landing probe, in 2014.

RT-Chemcomposite Estimates Innovations at 7 Bln Rubles

The innovative development program of JSC RT-Chemcomposite comprises over 100 projects to be implemented in 2012-2020, with a total investment amount reaching 7 billion rubles.

According to the official data, RT-Chemcomposite participated in a meeting of the Rostec Corporation, which was held in Kazan on the basis of JSC Kazan Helicopter Plant. It’s necessary to mention that the meeting primarily addressed the preliminary results of innovative development programs.

“The innovative development program of our holding was approved by the Rostec State Corporation last year. The program for 2012 has been fully implemented,” commented Sergey Sokol, the Director General of RT-Chemcomposite.

In accordance with the development strategy stipulated by the innovative development program, it is planned to create a high-tech world-class research and production company by 2020.

It should be noted that JSC RT-Chemcomposite is a part of the Russian Technologies. The company specializes in innovative developments for creation of new materials, unique systems, and technologies, as well as serial production of high-tech products for space vehicles, aircrafts, military weapons and equipment, land and water transport.

Indonesia Superjet Contract Not Cancelled

Indonesia’s Kartika Airlines, which signed a $900 million contract in 2010 for the delivery of 30 Sukhoi Superjet 100 airliners with Russia’s Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company, denied that the deal had been canceled.

“We are continuing negotiations with Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company and are not abandoning our plans to purchase SSJ 100s,” commented Kim J. Mulia, the company’s CEO. His statement came after Mikhail Pogosyan, the president of the United Aircraft Corporation, had declared that its Indonesian partner had run into problems. Mr. Pogosyan also said the contract had not gone through the required approval processes and was thus being delayed.

It should be noted that last November, Indonesia’s Civil Aviation Authority issued a certificate to Sukhoi Superjet 100, allowing the jet’s export to Indonesia and its operation by the country’s airlines without restrictions.

It’s worth noting that the Russian Regional Jet project aimed at developing the Sukhoi Superjet 100 airliner was launched in the early 2000s. The project was on and off until the first flight took place in May 2008, and deliveries to customers began in 2011. The airliner is manufactured at the main Sukhoi factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and is positioned as a new Russian design.

Rostvertol Assembling a New Mi-28UB Helicopter

Rostvertol has started to assemble the first Russian combat training Mi-28UB helicopter. This came in a statement by Boris Slusar, the Director General of Rostvertol. “We have already coupled the pilot’s cockpit with the main body. The first flight model assembled in Rostov will be tested this year,” Mr. Slusar said.

The training helicopters are produced by order of the Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation. As explained by the Director General of Rostvertol, this is a combat helicopter, which not only performs all the functions of an attack aircraft, but also can be used to train the graduates of military flight schools.

According to the information furnished by the plant’s marketing administration, the Mi-28UB training helicopter has been designed on the basis of the Mi-28N attack helicopter also called the Night Hunter. The main difference of the new helicopter consists in its dual control.

At the same time, Boris Slusar noted that last year Rostvertol fulfilled all its obligations to the customers, including the Defence Ministry. “The output growth is expected to reach 15 – 17% in 2013 as compared to 2012. The exports account for 15 – 20% of the total output,” Mr. Slusar commented.

New Russian Bomber to Replace Tupolev-95

The development of the Russian Perspective Aviation Complex of Long-Range Aviation, which is likely to replace Tupolev-95MC and Tupolev-22M3 planes, except the latest Tupolev-160, in the 2020s-2030s is being discussed by experts again.

According to some reports, the Russian Air Force has already chosen the shape of the new plane. It will be a small inconspicuous long-distance subsonic plane. The development of the new plane is likely to be carried out by the Tupolev Design Bureau.

At the same time, it is believed that the new project could be based on the results obtained while making the T-50 fifth-generation fighter. It is not the ultimate truth either that the speed of the new plane would not exceed the speed of the sound. One should take it into consideration that the prospective bomber is not only to replace the strategic Tupolev-95, but also Tupolev-22M long-distance bombers specially designed for fighting against the enemy’s Navy. In this case supersonic speeds are considered to be essential.