1.
SV European Airbus A300 on tarmac with spectators boarding
0.06

2.
GV INTERIOR Seating arrangements
0.13

3.
GV Airbus taxis along runway and takes off
0.27

4.
AIR VIEW Airbus flying overhead and banking
0.37

5.
SV PAN French Mirage 2000 taking off from runway, flying past and banking (2 shots)
1.01

6.
SV Photograph of Jaguar fighter plane TO actual plane and rockets it carries (2 shots)
1.12

7.
SV Jaguar plane, laden with missiles, taxying, takes off and flying past (2 shots)
1.33

8.
GV New C-Harrier taking off on ski-slope and in flight (2 shots)
1.49

9.
GV Twin rotary Chinook Helicopter (USA) lowering tank and truck to ground (3 shots)
2.18



Initials BB/1835



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In the United Kingdom, the Society of British Aerospace Companies says its 1978 show (3-10 September) is bigger and better than ever, with 350 exhibitors from 16 countries using all the available stand areas. Both civil and military aircraft and equipment are being shown at Farnborough, and each day 78 aircraft are giving flying displays. Many of the exhibitors are showing military products, but most of the interest is centred on the new bout of competition between Europe and the United States for sales of a new generation of passenger plane.

The interest is centred on the competition surrounding a smaller version of this aircraft, the European A300 Airbus. This plane has been a successful product of collaboration between manufacturers in France, West Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, with its wings build by British Aerospace. More than 100 have been ordered, and the same consortium is planning a scaled-down version, the A310. But it will face competition from at least two 200-seaters planned in the United States.

The newest aircraft flying at the show is advertised as the "fighter of the century". The French Dassault Mirage 2000 is making its public debut at the show. This air superiority fighter features advanced electronics, and the French Air Force plans to put it into service from 1982.

Like the Airbus, the Jaguar is also a product of international collaboration. It is the first combat aircraft in service to have been built by an international consortium. Different components are made in Britain and France, with final assembly lines in both countries. The twin-engined supersonic jet is designed for low-level close support and reconnaissance, and is built with both Rolls Royce and French Adour engines.

The effective range, fuel consumption and load-carrying ability of the vertical take-off Sea Harrier are enhanced by the use of a "ski jump" that can be mounted on ships.

The United States Government has decided not to take part in the show, but this Chinook helicopter from the United States is on order to the Royal Air Force. It can carry heavy weapons, vehicles and troops into battle areas, and perform resupply and medical evacuation roles. This display of its abilities is among the attractions expected to draw a quarter of a million visitors to the show.