Thaindian News

By D. Balaji
Berlin, June 7 (IANS) The Berlin Air Show (ILA 2010) takes off Tuesday in this scenic German capital to demonstrate the advances made in the global aviation and aerospace fields on the ground and in the air.

As the world’s oldest and largest aviation show, the six-day trade fair (June 8-13) is being held in the aftermath of the global meltdown and at a time when some of the European countries like Greece are facing a financial crisis.

“Increasing specialisation in the aerospace field has led to greater emphasis on specific areas of business reflecting the present market situation,” the international air show’s public relations director, Michael T. Hofer, told IANS here.

Organised by the German Aerospace Industries Association and Messe Berlin GmbH, the biennial event is being held at Berlin-Schonefeld airport’s security zone, adjacent to the upcoming Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BBI), with the expo and the static display area spread across 250,000 square metres.

About 300 fixed and rotary wing aircraft, including the giant A380, have landed for static and spectacular aerial displays. A separate air traffic control tower of ILA will coordinate and monitor the flying displays.

“All flight movements at the ILA will be coordinated with airspace over Germany and normal flights in and out of Schönefeld,” said Hofer.

The highlight of the international air show will be the breath-taking flying displays, featuring appearances by veteran test and aerobatic pilots, and crews of national, formation and aerobatic teams.

“In addition, pilots of high performance jets and historic aircraft will make breathtaking demonstration of aviation skills. The aircraft on show will include some aviation legends, with the latest hi-tech developments making their debut,” Hofer added.

The latest European combat aircraft, the Eurofighter Typhoon of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company N.V.) and Gripen of Saab, which are in race for the 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft order of the Indian Air Force (IAF), will also demonstrate their air prowess.

Besides Typhoon and Gripen, the US-based Lockheed Martin’s F-16 and Boeing’s F/A-18, French D’Assault’s Rafale and Russian MiG-35 are vying for the IAF order, estimated to be worth $10 billion.

“The military transport aircraft of Airbus A400 M will be making its first appearance at the event in flight,” Hofer stated.

Among the unusual exhibits is the Grob G520 Egrett, a special-purpose aircraft with a wingspan of 30 metres for a variety of uses, including guidance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

Another newcomer is the Dornier 228 NG (new generation) from RUAG, a Swiss aerospace firm. The 19-seat 228NG incorporates the latest avionics (glass cockpit) and a new five-bladed propeller.

In the helicopter sector, the H-53GA (German Advanced) transport chopper, with advanced avionics is making debut along with S-92, a twin-engine, mid-sized, multi-role transport copter from the US-based Sikorsky.

Interestingly, the American giant Boeing returns to the Berlin air show after an absence of 12 years along with prominent US aerospace majors such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon.

As partner country, Switzerland will showcase the capabilities of its aerospace industry represented by about 400 suppliers, consultants and service providers.

Besides leading European aerospace firms, a large number of Japanese companies are participating in a big way.

The 100-odd conferences during the show will witness brain-storming sessions on various segments of the aerospace industry spanning commercial aviation, space flight, defence and security, aero engines and materials and general aviation.

The mega show also boosts consumer spending in the Berlin-Brandenburg region by about 190 million euros and stimulates the domestic economy with increasing tax revenues and hundreds of jobs for locals.