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World Defense & Security News - Russia
 
 
Russian military to receive first Be-200ChS multipurpose amphibious aircraft in 2015
 
The first Beriev Be-200 amphibious aircraft will be delivered to the Russia's Eastern Military District (EMD) in 2015 under the State Defense Order. The jets may be used for transporting cargo and fire-fighting operations, reported the press service of the Eastern Military Service.
     
The first Beriev Be-200 amphibious aircraft will be delivered to the Russia's Eastern Military District (EMD) in 2015 under the State Defense Order. The jets may be used for transporting cargo and fire-fighting operations, reported the press service of the Eastern Military Service. Russian Beriev Be-200 amphibious multipurpose aircraft
     
In the network of the State Defense Order for 2015 Be-200 multipurpose amphibious aircraft will be delivered to an air base located in Primorski Krai. The aircraft may be operated from unpaved runways and ice airfields, may land on water, carry up to 6 tons of cargo and up to 12 tons of water,” said in the statement.

In 2013, the Russian Defense Ministry signed a contract with the Beriev Aircraft Company for the purchase of six Beriev Be-200 amphibious planes, Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), for an ammount of $268 mn.

The first two planes will be basic Be-200ChS models, while the following four will be the Be-200PS version without firefighting equipment. The Beriev Be-200 Altair is a multipurpose amphibious aircraft designed by the Beriev Aircraft Company and manufactured by Irkut. Marketed as being designed for fire fighting, search and rescue, maritime patrol, cargo, and passenger transportation, it has a capacity of 12 tonnes (12,000 litres, 3,170 US gallons) of water, or up to 72 passengers.

It was noted that Be-200 is fitted with navigation equipment, which allows detecting the fire seat. After the first approach the equipment guides the jet to the fire seat automatically, which is very important under smoke conditions. Eight water tanks are located below the floor of the jet’s cabin.

Moreover, transport version of the aircraft may deliver cargo to hard-to-reach regions of the country having no traditional airfields.