Over 100 countries are represented at this year's Farnborough Air Show which opened near London on Sunday (5 September). More than 400 companies have exhibits and there are about 100 aircraft on display.

SYNOPSIS: The organisers -- the Society of British Aerospace Companies -- say the show is the biggest of its kind anywhere is the world this year. There's fierce competition between rival companies to win orders for their products from potential civilian and military customers around the globe.

Show officials say Farnborough's competitive edge is clearly demonstrated by the thousands of government and trade representatives attending the display. But there have been few surprises so far for the visitors. Behind the scenes the emphasis is on discussions between major European and United States manufacturers on the future shape of airliners in the 1980's and beyond.

Because of huge development costs, international cooperation has become essential for many new projects -- military as well as civilian. The Anglo-French Jaguar strike aircraft is typical of such cooperation.

There's strong representation from the United States including the Northrop YF-17 advanced technology fighter. Saab of Sweden has the A.J. 37 fighter on display. Further international cooperation comes in the form of the Alpha training jet jointly built by France and West Germany.

The Panavia Tornado multi-role combat aircraft has been built by an Anglo-West German-Italian consortium. It packs an impressive display of firepower and has swing wings.

The Jaguar was also put through its paces on the first day of the show.

An Alpha jet was shown off by the West German Air Force.

The Hawker Siddeley vertical take-off Harrier jump-jet demonstrated its versatility. The aircraft has proved one of the most popular at previous airshows, attracting considerable attention.