Be-200 to be delivered in November to complete certification
Published:
3/16/2000
Despite recent claims of orders and interest in purchase from various customers from around the world, including China and from the South Atlantic British colony of St Helena, which is currently reviewing its potential air connection with the African mainland and the neighbouring island of Ascension, it appears that the only firm orders at present for the Beriev are from the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS).
The MChS has ordered seven aircraft over a three year period, the first of which is to be delivered in or around November 2000, and will be the second prototype of the amphibian. It will then be operated by the MChS who will aim for a target of complete certification, including for air-worthiness within 12 months. The delivery schedule for the MChS is one aircraft in the first year, four in the second and two in the third and final year of the contract.
According to Beriev, considerable interest has been shown in its aircraft, and the company claims to have a number of signed letters of intent to buy in its possession, although it was not forthcoming with the names or details of the potential purchasers. It maintains that it is awaiting certification before signing contracts of sale, although one order the company is expected is from the Avialesookhrana (the forestry fire service). One complication in meeting foreign orders that the company emphasised is that it is difficult to meet the specialised content required and related specifications at this point in the programme.
Beriev is due to restart its Be-103 amphibian test flights in the next two weeks, using the two remaining prototypes of the aircraft, which will be exhibited at air shows this summer. The cause of the crash of the first prototype of the aircraft has been attributed to pilot error, while the investigation into the second prototype crash has almost been completed, according to the company, but the results have not yet been revealed.
Article ID:
1685
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