Military role for the Beriev amphibian

The Beriev Be-200 fire-fighting amphibian is entering a military career. The Russian Defense Ministry in late May placed a 8.4-billion-ruble ($255 million) contract with the Taganrog-based manufacturer for six such aircraft, with deliveries in 2014-16.

The aircraft will be stationed in the military units in Krasnodar and Primorsk territories. Either unit will get one each in the 200ChS fire-fighting configuration and two each of the Be-200PS search-and-rescue variant.

Up until now, the type has only been in service with the Russian and Azeri emergency management agencies. The Russian Emergencies Ministry operates six Be-200ChS aircraft and ordered a further six in May 2011, to be delivered in 2014 and 2015. A Beriev source says the first of the batch is under assembly and work is being started on the fuselage for the second one. The Azeri emergency service has a single Be-200ChS,, delivered in April 2008.

The CIS-wide Interstate Aviation Committee certified the Be-200ChS to AP-25 standards in 2003. A supplementary type certificate awarded in 2007 cleared the aircraft to transport up to 43 passengers while operating from land and water alike. EASA validated the type certificate in 2010. Beriev is now seeking validation from the US Interagency Airtanker Board, which would allow it to enter the US fire-fighting market.

The manufacturer is updating the Be-200 mission equipment with forest fire detection and smoke vision enhancement. A SAAB head-up display has been test-flown as part of the upgrade effort.
The Be-200 can also be used in the maritime patrol and search-and-rescue roles if fitted with the SELEX Galileo ATOS tactical observation and surveillance system.