Almost exactly 10 years after the first visit, the author was again at AEROSTAR S.A. Bacău. The reason for the visit were – astonishing – reports about the revival of the Mozambican MiG-21 fleet by the Romanian company. And indeed there were remarkable things to see at Bacău.
Since the last visit the priorities have shifted. Today AEROSTAR's main field of activity is civil production and maintenance, ...
... for which a new hangar was specially built.
The IAK-52 built at the factory, seen here during an engine run, is also still supported.
The way to the military maintenance hangar leads past stored aircraft, including a MiG-15UTI ...
... and the prototype of the LanceR III programme, which has meanwhile been completely cannibalised.
In the hangar there were several MiG-21s ...
... in different stages of completion.
Besides a thorough overhaul, the aircraft are also moderately upgraded – including the cockpit equipment.
One of the aircraft was largely completed ...
... and was towed outside for a test flight during the visit.
Company pilot Viorel Bilu climbs in ...
... and takes off on another check flight.
The skin of another aircraft, which carried out an engine test run during the visit, gives an idea of the effort required for the overhaul. The aircraft, which had been stored for more than 20 years, were practically rebuilt.
The author thanks Ms Doina Matanie for her renewed hospitality and a comprehensive insight into the activities of AEROSTAR.
