McDonnell douglas MD-II - Rapid progress is now being made with the flight test programme of the MD-11, which suffered unexpected delays during construction of the initial aircraft. This account describes "how the DC-10 grew bigger" 20 years after the company's tri-jet appeared
THE CUTTING EDGE OF INDIAN AIRPOWER - At a time of extreme sensitivity between India and Pakistan over the future of Kashmir, we take a new look at the front-line aircraft of the Indian Air Force, accompanied by a selection of new photographs.
DEMONSTRATING TECHNOLOGIES FOR EFM - Roy Braybrook describes the Rockwell/MBB X-31 enhanced fighter manoeuvrability demonstrator, which uses thrust-vectoring and other advanced technology to achieve agility at very low airspeeds.
SOVIET PROJECTS - An expanded AirData File section this month, includes illustrations and preliminary data for a number of civil aircraft projects that have been prepared by such well-known bureaux as Ilyushin, Kamov, Mil and Mikoyan as alternatives to the production of military aircraft are sought.
AIRSCENE - The monthly round-up of news and background to the news, presented under section headings for Military Affairs, Aircraft and Industry, Civil Affairs and new Civil Aircraft Contracts.
PRAISE OF EAGLES - Roy Braybrook's "Personal View".
MODEL ENTHUSIAST - Modelling comments, the latest kits reviewed and colour profiles of the Messerschmitt Bf 109G.
FIGHTER A TO Z - Continuing the AIR International encyclopaedia of the world's fighter aircraft, from the Phonix D II to the Piaggio P.119.
TALKBACK - Readers of AIR International offer comments of general interest.
IN PRINT - New aviation literature noted.

FRONT COVER - The Rockwell/MBB X-31 Enhanced Fighter Manoeuvrability demonstrator which, as we go to press, is about to embark upon a 400-hr, 18-month flight test programme.