Sukhoi Is A No-Show
The big Sukhoi Design Bureau declined to make an official appearance at Farnborough this year,
although an Su-27 flew in, courtesy of the Gromov flight test institute. The popular Sukhoi
fighters, capable of performing seemingly impossible aerobatic maneuvers at high speed, were
cut from Farnborough as a result of budget cuts. Sukhoi explained that they were concentrating
on air shows in areas where potential customers will be.
Bell Expected To Announce Risk-Sharing Partner
Bell Helicopter is expected to announce a major risk-sharing partner on its 609 commercial
tiltrotor at a Farnborough press conference tomorrow. Details in tomorrow's AWN Farnborough
daily coverage.
CFM Out of A318
CFM International is expected to decline pursuing engine orders for the new Airbus A318 now that
the PW6000 is apparently the Airbus choice for the new plane's powerplant. CFM holds a commanding
lead in the narrowbody market, but Pratt & Whitney scrambled for the order in a successful effort
that is said to possibly include an equity position.