Saudi-Ukrainian Antonov aircraft attracts armed forces at Dubai Airshow

DUBAI: The Dubai Airshow 2017 features the official appearance of the Antonov (AN-132) aircraft, which was manufactured and developed by the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), the Taqnia Aeronautics Co. and Ukraine’s Antonov.
The aircraft is among 160 of the latest commercial, business and military aircrafts.
The airshow was opened by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, on Sunday.
Saudi Deputy Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ayash visited the Saudi-Ukrainian Antonov AN-132 aircraft and was briefed on its participation at the airshow by Mohammed Ayesh, director of transport aircraft management at Taqnia.
The participation of this aircraft in the show is an important step to help promote the aircraft locally, regionally and globally.
The Antonov AN-132 is used in military transport including individuals and equipment, as well as the transfer of electronic warfare equipment and limited aerial sniping.
The Saudi-Ukrainian aircraft, with its multiple functions and light weight, has the capacity to fly 28,000 feet with a load of 9.2 tons and a distance of at least 2,200 km. It can travel more than 4,500 km without a load and at a speed of 550 km per hour.
This is the second participation of the Antonov aircraft at an air show: it participated in Paris Airshow 2017.
Several branches of the armed forces in some countries expressed their interest in more information about the aircraft for purchasing purposes.
The Dubai Airshow 2017, which is being held at Dubai World Central, is one of the world’s major aviation fairs. It serves as a platform for new trends and discussions of issues that will help develop the aviation industry in the Middle East.
It hosts 1,200 exhibitors specialized in civil and military aviation.