FBIS Report: Plane Makers in England to Advertise Their Wares

This document is a Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) report dated January 24, 1994, summarizing a Novosti newscast. The report details a visit to Birmingham, England, by representatives from the Saratov aircraft builders, the Yakovlev Design Bureau, and the Central Aerodynamics Institute. The primary purpose of the visit was to market new Russian aircraft technology to potential Western buyers. The report highlights a 120-seat aircraft and mentions plans for a new eight-seater business jet intended to compete with British Aerospace. A significant portion of the report focuses on a new, unconventional aircraft design from Saratov, which the report describes as a 'genuine flying saucer.' This craft is noted for its ability to combine wing and fuselage, its lack of requirement for traditional airfields, and its capability to perform soft landings on both land and water using an air cushion. The report notes that the craft has a payload capacity of up to half its own weight and expresses a sentiment that it would be unfortunate if such a unique vehicle remained an 'unidentified flying object' in its own country rather than being welcomed abroad. The report includes references to video footage of the aircraft in flight and in a hangar.