Vice Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade and defense enterprises (including United Aircraft Corporation, Russian Technologies, Oboronprom, Russian Helicopters, etc.) to elaborate measures for recovery of status and enhancement of the role of general designers in the development of advanced aircraft, Izvestiya reports.
One of the first steps in this direction will be creation of a Council of general designers of defense enterprises under the Military-industrial commission of Russia, a source close to the military-industrial sector reported. The general designers will have the opportunity to exchange opinions in the area of development of advanced aircraft during the meeting of the Council without being limited by the financial interests of holding companies.
«After establishment of large holdings such as United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), United Engine Corporation (UEC) and United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), administrators and financial managers are having the dominant role instead of designers. The managers put financial indicators first leaving behind the development of advanced technologies and vehicles», - the source explained.
The community of designers has already brought up the issue of improving the status of designers several times and the Vice Premier Minister has finally voiced his support. One of the members of the Military-industrial commission of Russia, who is taking part in the creation of the Council, explained that the Council will be established by autumn 2013.
«At present the officials of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Industry and Trade are encouraging the Complete Knock Down Assembly in order to observe the financial interests instead of developing new vehicles. As a result the industry keeps upgrading old vehicles instead of developing the advanced tanks, aircraft, etc. It is unacceptable. That is why we must reverse this trend as soon as possible», - he said.
The experts and representatives of the Military-industrial commission of Russia also intend to increase the salaries of the general designers and reward them with bonuses for outstanding results.











