JUSTIN WASTNAGE / MOSCOW
EADS and NPK Irkut will form single marketing and sales organisation as part of co-operation deal with R-R Deutschland
EADS and NPK Irkut plan to transform into a legal joint venture their co-operation deal with Rolls-Royce Deutschland to develop a Westernised Beriev Be-200 firefighter.
The two companies will create a single marketing and sales organisation before seeking European approval. The move follows a freeze on certification work in the USA (Flight International, 19-25 August).
Talks are under way to decide the headquarters, structure and name of the new venture. It is being established in response to US Federal Aviation Administration concerns over Delaware-based holding company Liberty Group International's planned application for US certification of the R-R-powered version, due to "budgetary issues".
The FAA has refused to allow the Be-200, with 16,000lb-thrust (71.2kN) Progress D-436TP powerplants, to be taken to the USA for a five-month firefighting demonstration for the US Forest Service. A project source says the lack of a launch customer was the key reason for the denial.
The companies have completed a feasibility and market study, and will formally launch the project by the second half of next year, once a minimum of 20 orders are received. R-R Deutschland will lead European certification talks with German airworthiness authority LBA, which has experience of Russian types. EADS expects Australian approval to follow, as several authorities have expressed interest in the aircraft.
R-R Deutschland has completed its technical studies into re-engining the twinjet with its 18,500lb-thrust BR715 turbofan. The nacelles and engine mounts will be moved forward 900mm (3ft) to compensate for an aircraft centre-of-gravity shift caused by the heavier powerplant. The accessory gearbox also requires changes to accommodate the aircraft's two hydraulic pumps. R-R Deutschland will complete the modifications by the middle of next year and expects supplementary type certification in time for test flights set for the third quarter of next year, says Stefan Zimmermann, vice-president business development.
The long-awaited decision to develop the variant follows a recent market study by the three companies that suggested a potential market for around 230 aircraft in 25 countries in passenger, utility, rescue and firefighting roles.
Several European countries, including France, Italy and Portugal, have expressed "serious interest" in the aircraft, which has "perversely been helped by a series of serious forest fires this year", says Zimmermann. In an attempt overcome budgetary issues, the Italian government has proposed acquiring a joint Mediterranean fleet, he adds.
Irkut has given production go-ahead for the Be-200ChS, a customised version of the Be-200 for Russia's emergencies ministry.
Source: Flight International
