Russian officials have shown off the first domestically-produced airbridge for passenger aircraft, developed by the Rostec entity Vysokotochnye Kompleksy.
The company – whose name means ‘high-precision systems’ – says such equipment was previously supplied to Russian airports only by foreign manufacturers.
It states that the airbridge features electrohydraulic and electromechanical drive systems enabling it to adapt its length, height and configuration during docking.
“This makes it compatible with all types of aircraft, from regional jets to long-haul airliners,” it adds.
Vysokotochnye Kompleksy demonstrated its operation to Rostec deputy director general Nikolai Volobuyev during a visit.
The airbridge development, undertaken by the company’s central automation and hydraulics research arm, has been carried out in collaboration with Proekt-Tekhnika.
“Preliminary testing of the airbridge has been completed,” says Vysokotochnye Kompleksy. “The prototype has confirmed its specified performance.”
Rostec says the airbridge testing show that its business divisions are “gradually overcoming the challenges of sanctions” and providing the Russian aviation industry with “essential technical solutions”.
