Still reported to be very short of funding for certification (330 words)

Published: 1/24/2001

Beriev is still desperately trying to keep the idea of the $2-2.8m Be-32K twin turboprop light transport alive. It recently stated that it is continuing to plan serial production of the aircraft (developed from the Be-30, which first flew in 1967, but was terminated after the Soviet authorities decided to buy the Czech Let L-410A), with the production plant, Taganrog Aviation. Reports have suggested that the one aircraft, which has been built and is currently powered by P&WC PT6A-65Bs (re-engined in 1995 from TVD-10Bs), still requires $29.5m to fund four test aircraft. April 2000 saw the suggestion that funding might come from ZAO Mercury, formed in 1998 by the participants in the programme. Progress in fund-raising was reported to be slow and has not really improved. The expected certification, by the end of 2000, has passed. Unofficial reports suggest that the available funding for the aircraft in 2001 falls well short of the $29.5m mentioned as the requirement to move the programme ahead. The company says that potential customers appear to remain much the same as early last year as follows: Gazprom (may order 10 Be-32K); Almazy Rossii Sakha (2); Sverdlov region (100-200); Federal Border Service (50); and the Krasnodar region also shows interest in acquiring up to 50 Be-32K. It is possible that the aircraft may be re-engined yet again, with the TVD-1500V, which is offered as an option on the aircraft's potential competitor, the An-38. The reason for the change is reported as being problems with engine delivery from P&W. Officially the company says that when production goes ahead, it will be with the P&W engine. The company is also considering the possible pressurization of the aircraft, to increase its attractiveness for potential investors. P&WC the engine maker report that they have cordial relation with the Beriev and the plant, but as yet have received no additional orders for engines after fitting and testing the engines in 1995. They are therefore puzzled by reports that suggest there are any difficulties in delivering engines.

Article ID: 2316