52nd International Paris Air Show

PHOTO FEATURE | 40 IMAGES


The Paris Air Show 2017 was held on 19 – 25 Jun 2017 at Le Bourget, France. As the biggest show in the world, it boasted 2381 exhibitors from 48 countries and hosted 322000 visitors in total despite the heat wave in Paris during the show period. 140 aircraft including the Airbus A321neo, Airbus A350-1000, Boeing B787-10, Boeing B737 Max9, Kawasaki P1 maritime patrol aircraft, Mitsubishi MRJ90 and Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter plane were at Le Bourget for the first time. Local favorites were the Dassault Aviation’s Rafale and Falcon 8X, the Airbus A380 and A400M, the Airbus Tiger and NH90 Caiman helicopters. For businesses, the show was a remarkable success with a record number of exhibitors and 150 billion dollars’ worth of orders announced, despite the slight drop in the number of visitors. USD150 billion worth of orders were annonced including: 897 orders and purchasing commitments for a catalogue value of USD115 billion, for a total of 934 commercial aircraft.

 

1. Airbus unveiled a new version of its super jumbo A380 with a host of upgrades. The A380plus is an efficient way to offer even better economics and improved operational performance at the same time. Here, the crowd gathers as the A380plus is being towed from the Static Display Area.1. Airbus unveiled a new version of its super jumbo A380 with a host of upgrades. The A380plus is an efficient way to offer even better economics and improved operational performance at the same time. Here, the crowd gathers as the A380plus is being towed from the Static Display Area.

 

2. Cockpit of the Airbus A380plus.2. Cockpit of the Airbus A380plus.

 

3. Lockheed Martin chief test pilot Alan Norman shows how the F-35A aerial display will look like using a model as he goes through the whole segment of the demo during a press conference.3. Lockheed Martin chief test pilot Alan Norman shows how the F-35A aerial display will look like using a model as he goes through the whole segment of the demo during a press conference.

 

4. This is the first time that the Lockheed Martin F-35A performed an aerial demonstration display at any airshow. The demo was designed by Lockheed Martin and USAF to show off the capabilities of this 5th Generation Aircraft.4. This is the first time that the Lockheed Martin F-35A performed an aerial demonstration display at any airshow. The demo was designed by Lockheed Martin and USAF to show off the capabilities of this 5th Generation Aircraft.

 

5. The Patrouille de France Aerobatic Display Team of the French Air Force wowed visitors on the opening day and the last three public days of the show with their precision flying5. The Patrouille de France Aerobatic Display Team of the French Air Force wowed visitors on the opening day and the last three public days of the show with their precision flying.

 

6. French President Emmanuel Macron walks with Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier after watching the demonstration flights at the GIFAS Chalet. Macron landed at Le  Bourget in an Airbus A400M military transport plane to launch the Paris Air Show.6. French President Emmanuel Macron walks with Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier after watching the demonstration flights at the GIFAS Chalet. Macron landed at Le  Bourget in an Airbus A400M military transport plane to launch the Paris Air Show.

 

7. Airbus A400M Military Transport shows of it’s capabilities in the aerial display segment.7. Airbus A400M Military Transport shows of it’s capabilities in the aerial display segment.

 

8. A crew member of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force Kawasaki P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.8. A crew member of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force Kawasaki P-1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

 

9. A crew member of the JMSDF Kawasaki P-1 MPA looks down from the cockpit of the aircraft.9. A crew member of the JMSDF Kawasaki P-1 MPA looks down from the cockpit of the aircraft.

 

10. Virtual Reality was a big this year. Many exhibitors brought along VR solutions. Here, visitors to the Dassault Aviation booth were able to fly a Rafale fighter through their Immersive Dassault Aviation application.10. Virtual Reality was a big this year. Many exhibitors brought along VR solutions. Here, visitors to the Dassault Aviation booth were able to fly a Rafale fighter through their Immersive Dassault Aviation application.

 

11. Static Display of the Dassault Aviation Rafale C fighter loaded with missiles and fuel tanks.11. Static Display of the Dassault Aviation Rafale C fighter loaded with missiles and fuel tanks.

 

12. A display that consistently entertains the crowd is the French Air Force Rafale Solo Display. This demo was flown by CPT Jean-Guillaume Martinez “Marty” in a Dassault Aviation Rafale C.12. A display that consistently entertains the crowd is the French Air Force Rafale Solo Display. This demo was flown by CPT Jean-Guillaume Martinez “Marty” in a Dassault Aviation Rafale C.

 

13. Leonardo has shown for the first time the M-346FA (Fighter Attack). Its latest evolution of the M-346 platform. This new version of the M-346 will take its place next to the two existing variants of the aircraft: the Advanced Jet Trainer and the multi-role M-346FT (Fighter Trainer). The M-346 Fighter Attack will be equipped with a dedicated variant of the Grifo multi-mode fire control radar, designed and manufactured by Leonardo.13. Leonardo has shown for the first time the M-346FA (Fighter Attack). Its latest evolution of the M-346 platform. This new version of the M-346 will take its place next to the two existing variants of the aircraft: the Advanced Jet Trainer and the multi-role M-346FT (Fighter Trainer). The M-346 Fighter Attack will be equipped with a dedicated variant of the Grifo multi-mode fire control radar, designed and manufactured by Leonardo.

 

14. The M-346FA’s characteristics make it not only an excellent advanced trainer, but also a light fighter aircraft capable of carrying out operational missions at far lower costs than those of front-line fighters. It attracted a steady stream of visitors interested in viewing the aircraft. Quote from Leonardo “The M-346FA is of interest to many international customers, specifically in the Far East and South America”.14. The Leonardo M-346FA’s characteristics make it not only an excellent advanced trainer, but also a light fighter aircraft capable of carrying out operational missions at far lower costs than those of front-line fighters. It attracted a steady stream of visitors interested in viewing the aircraft. Quoting from Leonardo “The M-346FA is of interest to many international customers, specifically in the Far East and South America”.

 

15. USAF Bell CV-22B Osprey at Static Display Area.15. USAF Bell CV-22B Osprey at Static Display Area.

 

16. Mission markings below the cockpit of the USAF F-16C Block 50 on Static Display.16. Mission markings below the cockpit of the USAF F-16C Block 50 on Static Display.

 

17. A representative from the United Aircraft Corporation explains the details of the SU-30SME to two interested gentlemen.17. A representative from the United Aircraft Corporation explains the details of the SU-30SME to two interested gentlemen.

 

18. French Ministry of Defence static display area hosts a number of platforms and their crew for visitors to interact with and have pictures taken.18. French Ministry of Defence static display area hosts a number of platforms and their crew for visitors to interact with and have pictures taken.

 

19. French Air Force Rafale C with stores display at the Ministry of Defence static area. Pilots and ground crew were on hand to give visitors an insight into their job and the Rafale.19. French Air Force Rafale C with stores display at the Ministry of Defence static area. Pilots and ground crew were on hand to give visitors an insight into their job and the Rafale.

 

20. Pilot of the French Air Force Rafale interacting with visitors.20. Pilot of the French Air Force Rafale interacting with visitors.

 

21. French Air Force H225M Caracal Medium Lift Helicopter with air to air refuelling probe.21. French Air Force H225M Caracal Medium Lift Helicopter with air to air refuelling probe.

 

22. This beautiful Mirage 2000D belongs the the French procurement agency’s flight test department. Mounted on this aircraft are some of the systems slated for the Mirage 2000D MLU program, namely the Thales Talios pod and new weapons such as the Thales ASPTT small diameter tactical air to ground bomb in a triple rack launcher and a DEFA 550F 30mm cannon. Both of these weapons are still on flight test stage with no firings yet.22. This beautiful Mirage 2000D belongs the the French procurement agency’s flight test department. Mounted on this aircraft are some of the systems slated for the Mirage 2000D MLU program, namely the Thales Talios pod and new weapons such as the Thales ASPTT small diameter tactical air to ground bomb in a triple rack launcher and a DEFA 550F 30mm cannon. Both of these weapons are still on flight test stage with no firings yet.

 

23. Slovakian startup AeroMobil unveiled it’s new flying car as part of the Paris Air Lab, a new exhibition space dedicated to research and innovation. The car is able to go 160 km/h on the road and about 260 km/h in the air. At a cost of 1.2M to 1.5M Euros which is comparable to a small aircraft, one will get an aircraft and a sports car.23. Slovakian startup AeroMobil unveiled it’s new flying car as part of the Paris Air Lab, a new exhibition space dedicated to research and innovation. The car is able to go 160 km/h on the road and about 260 km/h in the air. At a cost of 1.2M to 1.5M Euros which is comparable to a small aircraft, one will get an aircraft and a sports car.

 

24. Workhorse group’s Surefly personal helicopter turned some heads in the Static Display area. It is a two seater helicopter powered by 8 propellers with a flight time of one hour with a full tank of gasoline. Workhorse is targeting to sell this helicopter for a price of USD200000.24. Workhorse group’s Surefly personal helicopter turned some heads in the Static Display area. It is a two seater helicopter powered by 8 propellers with a flight time of one hour with a full tank of gasoline. Workhorse is targeting to sell this helicopter for a price of USD200000.

 

25. Cockpit of one of the Concordes in the Paris Air Show’s Concorde Hall which hosts the Paris Air Lab exhibitions under the wings of two Concordes.25. Cockpit of one of the Concordes in the Paris Air Show’s Concorde Hall which hosts the Paris Air Lab exhibitions under the wings of two Concordes.

 

26. Airstar Aerospace made its first appearance at the Paris Air Show with the Eagle Owl tethered surveillance balloon. Due to classified military uses, it was rarely ever been shown to the public. This is the first time that visitors to the show are able to see the Eagle Owl flying over the show site.26. Airstar Aerospace made its first appearance at the Paris Air Show with the Eagle Owl tethered surveillance balloon. Due to classified military uses, it was rarely ever been shown to the public. This is the first time that visitors to the show are able to see the Eagle Owl flying over the show site.

 

27. Invited guests of ISTAT views the daily aerial demonstration displays from the balcony of their chalet.27. Invited guests of ISTAT views the daily aerial demonstration displays from the balcony of their chalet.

 

28. Making it’s debut for the show is Embraer’s E195-E2 “Profit Hunter” in Golden Eagle livery. This is the largest pane Embraer has ever built and the company says that it is very cheap to operate, light weight and they believe airlines will be able to generate extra revenue from it. Thats why it is called the profit hunter.28. Making it’s debut for the show is Embraer’s E195-E2 “Profit Hunter” in Golden Eagle livery. This is the largest pane Embraer has ever built and the company says that it is very cheap to operate, light weight and they believe airlines will be able to generate extra revenue from it. Thats why it is called the profit hunter.

 

29. Test pilot Murat Keles, a former Turkish Air Force F-16 pilot holds up the Turkish flag as the TAI HÜRKUŞ he was flying taxis back after his six minutes of amazing performance. This is also the first time TAI demonstrated the HÜRKUŞ in an international air show.29. Test pilot Murat Keles, a former Turkish Air Force F-16 pilot holds up the Turkish flag as the TAI HÜRKUŞ he was flying taxis back after his six minutes of amazing performance. This is also the first time TAI demonstrated the HÜRKUŞ in an international air show.

 

30. Making its first appearance outside of China is a full scale mock up of the Chengdu Wing Loong II UAV, displayed with an array of missiles and bombs. Externally, it looks like the MQ-9 Reaper drone that the United States uses.30. Making its first appearance outside of China is a full scale mock up of the Chengdu Wing Loong II UAV, displayed with an array of missiles and bombs. Externally, it looks like the MQ-9 Reaper drone that the United States uses.

 

31. Dornier 328 taxis to prepare for it’s demonstration segment. This particular aircraft has a cut away fuselage livery of the different configurations available for the aircraft.31. Dornier 328 taxis to prepare for it’s demonstration segment. This particular aircraft has a cut away fuselage livery of the different configurations available for the aircraft.

 

32. Coming from a corporation between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, the Antonov AN-132D make its way to the runway for it’s aerial display segment. The An-132D is similar in size to the C-27J and C-295W. It is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 9.2 tons.32. Coming from a corporation between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, the Antonov AN-132D make its way to the runway for it’s aerial display segment. The An-132D is similar in size to the C-27J and C-295W. It is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 9.2 tons.

 

33. French Ministry of Defence Extra 330 aircraft performs a series of rolls in one of  the daily flying displays of the show.33. French Ministry of Defence Extra 330 aircraft performs a series of rolls in one of  the daily flying displays of the show.

 

34. A trio of Airbuses on the tarmac at the same time. The A320neo in the centre taxiing back after it’s demonstration flight while an A380-800 crosses the runway to prepare for it’s display while the A350-1000 is at the end of the runway ready for take off once the A380-800 clears.34. A trio of Airbuses on the tarmac at the same time. The A320neo in the centre taxiing back after it’s demonstration flight while an A380-800 crosses the runway to prepare for it’s display while the A350-1000 is at the end of the runway ready for take off once the A380-800 clears.

 

35. Pilot of the Airbus A320neo looks on as the aircraft is towed back to the Static Display Area.35. Pilot of the Airbus A320neo looks on as the aircraft is towed back to the Static Display Area.

 

36. Having completed it’s aerial display, the Airbus A350-1000 touches down at Le Bourget.36. Having completed it’s aerial display, the Airbus A350-1000 touches down at Le Bourget.

 

37. Crew of the Airbus Helicopter Tiger relaxes as the aircraft is towed out for it’s aerial display.37. Crew of the Airbus Helicopter Tiger relaxes as the aircraft is towed out for it’s aerial display.

 

38. Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner being moved from it’s Static Display.38. Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner being moved from it’s Static Display.

 

39. French Army NH90 Caiman Tactical Troop Transport Helicopter put up a spirited flight demonstration of it’s capabilities.39. French Army NH90 Caiman Tactical Troop Transport Helicopter put up a spirited flight demonstration of it’s capabilities.

 

40. Part of the Static Display Area as viewed from the top deck of the Media Centre. Some notable tails are the MRJ, CS300, Q400, Superjet 100, E195-E2, B787-10, B737 Max C295 and A380plus.40. Part of the Static Display Area as viewed from the top deck of the Media Centre. Some notable tails are the MRJ, CS300, Q400, Superjet 100, E195-E2, B787-10, B737 Max C295 and A380plus.

 

More images of the Paris Airshow on our Paris Airshow 2017 Gallery.

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