The Beriev Be-200 twin turbofan amphibian will make its international debut at the Paris air show in June. The prototype continues certification testing and has completed 19 flights, totalling 27h, since its first flight on 24 September.
The Be-200 was ferried in late April from the Irkutsk Aviation Production Organisation's (IAPO) production plant to Beriev's Taganrog base, where flight testing will resume. The first water take-off and landings are scheduled for the third quarter of the year at the Ghelendjik hydro aviation test base on the Black Sea, followed by certification and first deliveries in late 1999 and early 2000, respectively.
Beriev has one order and five options for the amphibian from Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations. Negotiations with South Korea over the sale of up to 12 aircraft are on hold.
Source: Flight International
