With enviable frequency in the press, the topic of the lag of the Russian industry in the production of composite materials comes up. Moreover, the appearance of these materials is often associated with the fulfillment of orders from our defense industry..
“Under the sanctions, we cannot release any product due to the lack of our own composites” ... More, depending on the direction of the publication or praises to the West, or drooling towards our scientists and production workers.
How are things today in this area?? Is Russia really so far behind other countries in creating these materials necessary for modern production??
Almost a year ago, 22 February 2019 of the year, Novocherkassk, at the site of the South Russian State Polytechnic University named after M.I.. Platov hosted a visiting session of the State Duma Commission on legal support for the development of defense industry organizations in Russia. This event was called "Import substitution of composite materials and technological equipment for the diversification of the military-industrial complex".
It was there that the numbers were announced, who shocked many. It turned, that we're not just lagging behind in composites, we are lagging behind. And it was precisely this lag that gave the West reason to hit rather painfully with sanctions on many Russian projects in the field of aircraft construction., shipbuilding, medicine and others.
Here is how the Chairman of the State Duma Commission commented then on the situation, President of the League for Assistance to Defense Enterprises Vladimir Gutenev:
Industry modernization, updating the products of industrial enterprises is impossible without the use of new materials, technologies for their production and application, training of qualified personnel. The military-industrial complex is a driver for the modernization and development of the industry, including the sector of new materials. Using its potential, it is necessary to change the current situation, when the US and Europe apply, respectively, at 20 and 10 times more composites, than our country.
You don't need to have seven spans in your forehead, to see the complexity of the task. The task is not to blindly copy some composites, but in creation, exactly, the whole industry.
This is a triune task. Expansion of the network of scientific institutes, training of personnel for these institutes and for production and the creation of new technological production. many? Yes, many. But this is just the beginning. It is also necessary to interest potential buyers from the civil sector with these products.. Otherwise, the industry will not develop.
There is a clear bias in the production of composite materials today. We do not have components for the production of some aircraft parts, but there are hypersonic weapons, for example – "Dagger". clear, that the creation of these missiles is impossible without the use of composites.
But are there any real successes in solving the task? Naturally, we will not get a clear answer to this question. The topic is closed to the press. However, according to some indirect signs, some conclusions can already be drawn today..
Many people remember a good "kick" on our promising development – medium-range passenger aircraft MS-21 – Americans. When the imposed sanctions practically stopped the production of an already developed aircraft. It is because of the composite materials, used in the production of an elongated heavy-duty composite wing (TN. black wing) and keel parts.
Exercises with missiles "Caliber" in the Black Sea carried out to enhance the combat capability of the Russian Federation
We then not only could not create such a composite ourselves, but also to buy something similar abroad. Such products were produced only in the USA (Hexcel) and in Japan (фирма Toray Industries). The composites proposed by the Chinese did not meet the requirements.
And what did we see 30 November 2019 of the year? Irkut assembled the fourth MC-21 for flight tests. Furthermore, officially announced, that the plane will receive a certificate in Russia until the end 2020 of the year, and the European certificate in 2021 year!
Already today on "Irkut" ordered 175 aircraft MS-21 (TN. firm orders portfolio) in the amount of 9 billion. dollars. Next year will be collected 7 aircraft, at 2022-12, at 2023 – 25 machines. And in 2025 – already 75 aircraft! agree, aircraft builders' confidence must be based on something.
The restoration of positions lost during the years of perestroika is a long process. Losing is easy, but it's hard to catch up. But in this matter, the main thing is determination and desire.. And we have a desire…
Alexander Staver
