Programme moves forward (225 words)

Published: 8/22/2001

On 15th August, the Russian Aviation Register granted the Be-200 a type certificate. However, according to Vladimir Serov, Deputy General Director of ZAO Betair, the Swiss registered marketing company for the aircraft, the Be-200 type certificate has been issued subject to restrictions that allow the aircraft only to fly fire fighting missions, in line with its pre-certification operation with the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS). Serov added that all the limitations would be withdrawn after the testing of the second Be-200 (Be-200ChS) produced under MChS standards. Aleksey Fedorov, General Director of IAPO, said that the Be-200ChS is currently being completed at IAPO, with 93% of the aircraft's components already acquired, including UK-produced interiors for flight and cargo decks and two engines from Motor-Sich. Fedorov added that the second aircraft would be delivered in December to the MChS for operational tests, as part of the seven Be-200ChSs ordered by the ministry for delivery before 2005. The programme is currently being financed both from the state budget and from funds attracted by Betair. In 2001, the state contributed Rb90m ($3m) and Betair - Rb130m ($4.5). According to Serov, the development costs are estimated at $250m, of which about $190m has already been expended, with the state providing about 20% of the total.

Article ID: 2719