QGSJET-III: predictions for extensive air shower characteristics and the corresponding uncertainties

Abstract: The physics content of the QGSJET-III Monte Carlo model of high energy hadronic interactions is briefly described. The predictions of the model for extensive air shower characteristics are presented in comparison to the corresponding results of other Monte Carlo generators of cosmic ray interactions. The results of a recent quantitative analysis of uncertainties for such predictions are discussed, notably, regarding possibilities to enhance the muon content of extensive air showers or to delay the air shower development.