Aircraft

In pictures: Paris Air Show 2013

In pictures: Paris Air Show 2013
Sukhoi Su-35 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Sukhoi Su-35 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Things looked grim at 11 am on the opening day of the 2013 Paris Air Show, but thankfully the sunshine reappeared (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Things looked grim at 11 am on the opening day of the 2013 Paris Air Show, but thankfully the sunshine reappeared (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Fouga Magister Jet trainer (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Fouga Magister Jet trainer (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Le Bourget 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Le Bourget 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
S-70i Blackhawk helicopter (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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S-70i Blackhawk helicopter (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Airbus A400 M Atlas (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Airbus A400 M Atlas (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
The famous DeLorean time machime (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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The famous DeLorean time machime (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
The famous DeLorean time machine (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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The famous DeLorean time machine (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Mr Fusion: an inspiration to those looking to the future of efficient travel (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Mr Fusion: an inspiration to those looking to the future of efficient travel (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Antonov An-70 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Antonov An-70 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
AgustaWestland Project Zero (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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AgustaWestland Project Zero (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Project Zero is AgustaWestland's take on what advanced rotorcraft of the future may look like (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Project Zero is AgustaWestland's take on what advanced rotorcraft of the future may look like (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Trescal SA300 Starduster bi-plane puts on a spectacular display (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Trescal SA300 Starduster bi-plane puts on a spectacular display (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Fouga Magister Jet trainer (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Fouga Magister Jet trainer (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Sukhoi Su-35 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Sukhoi Su-35 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Lockheed Super Constellation (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Lockheed Super Constellation (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Airbus A400 M Atlas (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Airbus A400 M Atlas (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Airbus A380 in British Airways livery (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Airbus A380 in British Airways livery (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Airbus A380 in British Airways livery (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Airbus A380 in British Airways livery (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Russia had a strong presence in Paris this year (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Russia had a strong presence in Paris this year (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Paris Airshow 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Paris Airshow 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Cabling in a new light (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Cabling in a new light (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Mission control lego style at the ESA pavilion (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Mission control lego style at the ESA pavilion (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
APM 40 Simba, with Simba on board (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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APM 40 Simba, with Simba on board (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Spacejet concept (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Spacejet concept (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Bell 407 GT (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Bell 407 GT (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Russian Helicopters KA-62 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Russian Helicopters KA-62 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Xtreme Breitling Extra 300 aerobatic plane (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Xtreme Breitling Extra 300 aerobatic plane (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Yakolev YAK-130 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Yakolev YAK-130 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
The world's press show out in force (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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The world's press show out in force (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Sukhoi Su-35 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Sukhoi Su-35 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Sukhoi Su-35 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Sukhoi Su-35 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Kamov Ka.52 Alligator (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Kamov Ka.52 Alligator (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Parrot AR Drones fly formation in Paris (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Parrot AR Drones fly formation in Paris (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Sikhorsky S-70i Blackhawk helicopter (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Sikhorsky S-70i Blackhawk helicopter (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Piaggio Aero's Hammeread was unveiled at the show (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Piaggio Aero's Hammeread was unveiled at the show (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
A Porsche 911 joined the air-going craft at the Cirrus Stand (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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A Porsche 911 joined the air-going craft at the Cirrus Stand (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
UNIVERSAL UAS system (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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UNIVERSAL UAS system (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Static displays also gave visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the aircraft (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Static displays also gave visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the aircraft (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Flaris Lar01 private jet (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Flaris Lar01 private jet (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
D-Dalus unique UAV platform (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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D-Dalus unique UAV platform (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Eurojet EJ200 engine from the Eurofighter Typhoon (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Eurojet EJ200 engine from the Eurofighter Typhoon (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Airbus A380 model (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Airbus A380 model (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Xtreme Breitling Extra 300 on the runway (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Xtreme Breitling Extra 300 on the runway (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
The Electric Green Taxiing System aims to cut carbon emissions (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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The Electric Green Taxiing System aims to cut carbon emissions (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Xtreme Breitling Extra 300 aerobatic plane (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Xtreme Breitling Extra 300 aerobatic plane (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Antonov AN-158 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Antonov AN-158 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Airbus A400M Atlas (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Airbus A400M Atlas (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Airbus A400M Atlas (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Airbus A400M Atlas (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Airbus A400M Atlas heads in for touchdown (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Airbus A400M Atlas heads in for touchdown (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Fouga Jet trainer heads in for landing (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Fouga Jet trainer heads in for landing (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Paris Airshow 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Paris Airshow 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Fouga Jet trainer (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Fouga Jet trainer (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Aerobatic displays kept crowds entertained in Paris - the Extra 330 SC (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Aerobatic displays kept crowds entertained in Paris - the Extra 330 SC (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Extra 330 SC (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Extra 330 SC (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Yakolev YAK-130 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Yakolev YAK-130 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Boeing 787-8 in Air India livery (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Boeing 787-8 in Air India livery (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Boeing 787-8 in Air India livery (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Boeing 787-8 in Air India livery (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Boeing 787-8 in Air India livery (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Boeing 787-8 in Air India livery (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Antonov An-70 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Antonov An-70 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Paris Air Show 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Paris Air Show 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Gulfstream G650 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Gulfstream G650 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Avion des Metiers pavilion at the Paris Air Show 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Avion des Metiers pavilion at the Paris Air Show 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Dassault Aviation exhibition at the 2013 Paris Air Show (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Dassault Aviation exhibition at the 2013 Paris Air Show (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Vinci Upper stage cryogenic engine for the Ariane 5ME (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Vinci Upper stage cryogenic engine for the Ariane 5ME (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Rafault exhibit at the 2013 Paris Airshow (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Rafault exhibit at the 2013 Paris Airshow (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Paris Airshow 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Paris Airshow 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
The whispering giant – British Airways Airbus A380 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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The whispering giant – British Airways Airbus A380 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Aerobatic display at the 2013 Paris Air Show (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Aerobatic display at the 2013 Paris Air Show (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
As well as aerial displays, scores of planes were on static display in Paris this year (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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As well as aerial displays, scores of planes were on static display in Paris this year (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Yakolev YAK-130 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Yakolev YAK-130 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Kamov Ka.52 Alligator (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Kamov Ka.52 Alligator (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Aerobatic display at the 2013 Paris Air Show (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Aerobatic display at the 2013 Paris Air Show (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
S-70i Blackhawk helicopter (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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S-70i Blackhawk helicopter (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
(Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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(Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Boeing 787-8 in Air India livery (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Boeing 787-8 in Air India livery (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Pratt and Whitney PW 100 engine (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Pratt and Whitney PW 100 engine (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Sukhoi Su-35 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Sukhoi Su-35 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Sagita Sherpa ULM concept (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Sagita Sherpa ULM concept (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
EADS E-Thrust concept (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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EADS E-Thrust concept (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Paris Air Show 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Paris Air Show 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Paris Air Show 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Paris Air Show 2013 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
The Concorde made an (indoor) appearance (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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The Concorde made an (indoor) appearance (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
AgustaWestland Project Zero (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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AgustaWestland Project Zero (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
PC-12 NG (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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PC-12 NG (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
Mars Rover model (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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Mars Rover model (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
Yabhon-NSR UAV (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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Yabhon-NSR UAV (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
One for budding pilots in Paris (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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One for budding pilots in Paris (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
ESA pavilion (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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ESA pavilion (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
Mars Rover model (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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Mars Rover model (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
Flight simulation at the Paris Air Show (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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Flight simulation at the Paris Air Show (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
The 50th Paris Air Show provided a feast for the eyes of aero-enthusiasts
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The 50th Paris Air Show provided a feast for the eyes of aero-enthusiasts
Lockheed Super Constellation (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Lockheed Super Constellation (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Sukhoi Su-35 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
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Sukhoi Su-35 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Piaggio P.1HH Hammerhead (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
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Piaggio P.1HH Hammerhead (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
A mockup electric fan for the E-Thrust concept by EADS and Rolls-Royce
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A mockup electric fan for the E-Thrust concept by EADS and Rolls-Royce
The EADS Tropospheric Airship concept is envisaged as an observation aircraft for polar regions
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The EADS Tropospheric Airship concept is envisaged as an observation aircraft for polar regions
EADS E-Thrust concept
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EADS E-Thrust concept
View gallery - 105 images

The 50th edition of the Paris Air Show kicked off with a bang on Monday, but rather than the rumbling of huge jet engines the din came courtesy of thunderstorms and torrential rain. Thankfully the dark skies cleared quickly and despite more bursts of wet weather throughout the week, there has been plenty of blue sky to provide a backdrop for the daily aerial displays. Here's our look at the highlights from Le Bourget airport, both on the ground and in the air.

Much talk has surrounded the smaller than usual US presence at the show and the growing strength of the Russian defense industry. The Russian contingent was led by the Sukhoi Su-35, which put on an amazing display of strength and grace ... think of a gorilla doing ballet and you start to get the picture. The Yakolev YAK-130 and local representative, the Dassault Rafale, also had all eyes turned skyward with impressive demonstrations of fighter jet prowess.

Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
Dassault Rafale (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)

The commercial aviation giants of recent times were also on show as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380 took to the skies. Boeing also announced the third member of the 787 family – the 787-10 – at the show and Airbus raked in orders for its new A350 XWB.

The whispering giant – British Airways Airbus A380 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)
The whispering giant – British Airways Airbus A380 (Photo: Noel McKeegan/Gizmag)

On the ground we had our first close look at the radical AgustaWestland Project Zero and EADS unveiled its vision of future aviation in the form of E-Thrust. The time-traveling DeLorean of Back to the Future fame was even on hand to help us ponder what the future might hold for the aerospace industry.

AgustaWestland Project Zero (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)
AgustaWestland Project Zero (Photo: Paul Ridden/Gizmag)

Scroll through our Paris Air Show gallery to see some of the other gems we discovered among the 2,200-odd exhibitors as well as best of the daily flight displays above Le Bourget.

The Paris Air Show runs until June 23.

Official site: www.paris-air-show.com

View gallery - 105 images
3 comments
3 comments
Illini_Rob
Awesome slideshow guys. Very well done.
mgb
Yes, nice pics but lack of notes was a bit freustrating as I would have loved to find out more about several of the concepts shown.
Nairda
AgustaWestland's electric tilt rotor aircraft looks awesome !!