Beriev clinched Russian AP-25 certification, equivalent to the US Federal Airworthiness Regulation (FAR) 25 and European Joint Airworthiness Regulation 25 approvals for its Be-200 amphibian on 16 August. Certification paves the way for the twin-engined aircraft to operate in fire-fighting and cargo transportation roles.
IAPO intends to complete the second aircraft in September. This will allow the start of second phase certification tests to permit passenger carriage and to operate patrol missions.
Beriev says the only operable prototype had performed 455 flights (including 100 from water) by 14 August, amassing 380 test hours.
The launch customer for the Be-200 is the Russian ministry of state emergencies with an order for seven aircraft in the fire-fighting version. The first machine is slated for delivery late next year and the rest over the following two years.
Meanwhile, Russian AP-23 certification of the Be-103 six-seat amphibian is slated for the end of the year, with US FAR 23 approval to follow in the next 12 months. To date, five flying Be-103 prototypes and ground test articles have been built by AVPK Sukhoi. Plans are underway for a second production line within the Asia-Pacific region.
Source: Flight International
