Russia To Showcase Its Yak-130 Aircraft At Army-2015 Expo

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Russia will hold a large-scale international aviation show called Army-215 Expo between June 16-19 in Kubinka near Moscow. The biggest attraction of the event will be Russia’s newest aircraft Yakovlev Yak-130, said the defense ministry on Monday. The event is jointly organized by Russian defense ministry, the federal space agency Roscosmos, and state technology corporation Rostec, reports Sputnik News.

Russia all set to demonstrate its military might

Russian defense ministry said the first day of the show will be devoted to meetings between industry experts and representatives from over 100 countries. The event will be open to public from June 17th. Besides Yak-130, the country will also showcase Sukhoi Su-30, Su-34, Su-35, PAK FA T-50 and helicopters Ansat-U, Kamov Ka-226, Mi-8 AMTSh, Mi-28N, Mi-35M and Ka-52.

A.S. Yakovlev Design Bureau, the manufacturer of Yak-130, said the aircraft can operate at essentially all flight conditions. It is an advanced pilot training aircraft that also has characteristics of the 4th and 5th generation fighter jets, including Sukhoi T-50. An empty Yak-130 weighs about 4,500kg, and has a maximum take-off weight of 9,000kg.

The two-seater aircraft can fly at a speed of 652 miles per hour, according to Sputnik News. It can carry both guided air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. Dubbed “Mitten” by Western forces, the Yak-130 is a genuine multi-role fighter. The Week says Russia’s multi-role combat trainers are a low-cost alternative to conventional fighters.

Russia has sold Yak-130 to its close allies

Russia has started delivering Yak-130 to Belarus, a close ally of Moscow. The Kremlin has already delivered Yak-130s to Algeria. It can carry up to 3,000kg of air-to-surface missiles, air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, free-fall bombs, rockets, and external fuel tanks. Another two stations on Yak-130’s wingtips can carry decoy launchers or air-to-air missiles. The aircraft also carries 23-mm cannon under its belly.

Russia is showcasing its latest technology amid tensions between Moscow and the Western countries. Earlier this month, the G7 countries decided to continue sanctions against Moscow over its alleged involvement in the Ukraine crisis.

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