Representatives of the Ukrainian aircraft construction concern "Antonov" negotiating with China Aviation Corporation AVIC a joint venture. According to "CASE", this joint venture should be the basis for future production of AN-70 in China.
"The main objective of cooperation with China - joint development of new technology. The problem is not only to sell engineering knowledge, but also set up production in China "- explained Deputy Chief Designer, Antonov Design Bureau. Antonov Gennady Gabruk. In fact, for "Antonov" China - Partner, which will minimize the dependence of Ukraine on cooperation with Russia in the construction of airplanes.
As "BUSINESS» (№ 130 from 20.08.09), the development of today, our An-70 aircraft manufacturers are engaged together with partners in Russia. Nevertheless, the Russians had once refused to cooperate in the production of the aircraft. In 2006, Russia's defense minister Sergei Ivanov said that his country had such an aircraft is not needed, since it already has an analogue - IL-76. However, according to experts, the main reason the Russians out of the project was the desire to build not only in Ukraine but in Russia. And so far in this matter the parties failed to reach a compromise.
Ukrainian aircraft manufacturers attempt to hedge against surprises from the Russian partners from China, looks like it is very reasonable. The Chinese already have experience in the use and production of aircraft Ukrainian designers. So, armed with the PRC are native An-2. Also under license in China made a copy of the Antonov An-24, which they called Y-7. With the help of Ukrainian designers created a modernized version of the Y-7 - M-60, went into series production in 2000.
In addition, Chinese engineers have developed without a license production of cargo aircraft An-12 under the name Y-8, which now forms the basis of the vehicle fleet of the Chinese Air Force. Analysts suggest that the Chinese aircraft manufacturers are interested in the An-70, as the plan is due to this model to update its fleet of military cargo aircraft.
According to experts, the Chinese market is one of the most promising for Ukrainian aircraft builders. Thus, as predicted by the European aviation company Airbus for the years 2009-2029, the greatest demand for air transportation will be directly in China and Southeast Asia. "In such circumstances, access to the Chinese market is looking for Ukrainian aircraft designers are very promising," - says a senior analyst at Astrum Investment Management Alexander Cava.
An-70 - medium-load (operational-tactical military transport) aircraft of new generation. First flight of the An-70 took place on December 16, 1994 in Kiev. It is known that one AN-70, which will assemble at the enterprises of ASTC. Antonova, in cooperation with Russia specialist, will cost $ 35-40 million
