Air International 2017-03
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A.Mladenov - Russia's Jet Amphibian /Paramilitary/
The Be-200 sports high-mounted engines which are well protected from water spray by means of lateral strakes in the nose and the high-mounded wings.
A MChS Be-200CHS climbs up the slipway at Gelendzhik harbour for servicing and refuelling after a sortie.
A close-up view of the underwing floats that contribute to stability when still and moving on water.
This is the first Taganrog-built Be-200ChS, intended for MChS, seen here during its first flight on September 16, 2016, still in primer.
Azerbaijan is the only export customer, with one Be-200ChS (taken from the MChS order) delivered in 2009 and operated by the country’s Ministry of Emergency Situations.
A good view of the Be-200’s high-mounted engines, T-tail and the rear of the boat-style hull that features a rudder on the bottom to improve stability and controllability on take-off, landing and manoeuvring on water.
A MChS Be-200ChS seen at low level over Portugal during fire-fighting operations in 2007.
The Be-200 is advertised as capable of operations from any water surface with a depth of 9ft (2.6m) and a length of at least 4,360ft (1,330m).
A production-standard Be-200ChS and the second Be-200 prototype at the TANTK Beriev plant undergoing modifications.
The second Be-200 prototype seen taking off from water. The jet amphibian is said to feature the same aerodynamic efficiency as the conventional aircraft, as well as excellent behaviour when moving on water.
The second Be-200 prototype on the water slipway after a demonstration flight in Gelendzhik harbour
The Be-200 can execute salvo water drops of up to 12 tonnes in 0.8 to 1 second, at a speed of about 135kts (250km/h).
The MChS was the launch customer for the Be-200. It has a fleet of six aircraft, with a further six on a firm order and another ten slated to be ordered in the future. RF-21515 was the first example to be delivered in July 2004 and is seen at its home base at Ramenskoye near Moscow.
The Be-200’s original design concept called for a multipurpose amphibian for use in the military, paramilitary and civil sectors, first for the demanding fire-fighting role.
A look inside the Be-200ChS cabin, configured here with 43 passenger seats.
The Be-200ChS cockpit sports six flat-panel LCD displays and fighter-style control sticks for the pilots.