Yeltsin Begins Visit to Ulyanovsk

On January 9, 1992, Russian President Boris Yeltsin conducted a working visit to the city of Ulyanovsk. During this visit, he toured the local aircraft manufacturing complex, which had recently been reorganized into a joint-stock society known as Aviastar. During the tour, President Yeltsin examined the plant's technical equipment and discussed various aspects of the facility's operations, including development projects, personnel policy, and potential cooperation with foreign firms. A significant portion of the visit involved the presentation of a new type of flying apparatus to the President. This device, described as a 'thermoplane' and developed in collaboration with scientists from the Moscow Aviation Institute, was noted for its physical resemblance to 'flying saucers.' The designers expressed optimism that these thermoplanes would soon be utilized across various economic sectors and in restricted areas of the country. The visit concluded with a private meeting between President Yeltsin and the plant's management.