Latin America key market for surplus aircraft (260 words)

Published: 9/6/2000

The Russian government has chosen the state-owned export agency Promexport as the coordinator of a project to upgrade South African Air Force Mirage F1 and Mirage III to third generation capability using Russian equipment. The upgrade is being done in conjunction with South Africa producer Armscor and involves the equipping of the surplus aircraft with Russian engines for sale to customers in Latin America, where South Africa has already made sales of 60 aircraft according to reports Promexport reports that the fitting of the airframes with RD-33 engines and with R-73 air-to-air missiles occurred initially in the mid-nineties, when one plane was equipped at a cost of $2m, but was suspended by the South Africans who have now decided to revive the programme. The exact cost of the programme remains unclear, but sources have said the re-engined aircraft will cost 30% less than a new third-generation fighter. The programme will be presented at the Africa Aerospace Defence 2000 in Pretoria, South Africa between September 5th and 9th and according to media reports, a Mirage F1 and Mirage 111 (Chita) will be on display with the RD-33 and R-73s.The change in power plant according to the Russian participants RSK MiG and GosMKB Vympel, will give the aircraft 16% greater thrust than its previous power plant and a higher rate of climb along with a 25% improvement in range. This performance was established over 74 test flights of the upgraded aircraft.

Article ID: 2062