Beriev has begun high-speed water runs of its Be-200 twin-jet amphibian at the Ghelendjik maritime aviation flight test base on the Black Sea.
The aircraft made several accelerations to about 60kt (110km/h) "to explore its water running characteristics". The first take-off from water is planned "within the next few weeks".
Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations (MChS) has ordered eight Be-200s, which will be deployed for firefighting and search and rescue missions. The MChS plans to establish four regional maritime aviation rescue centres on the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea and two in eastern Russia. The first Be-200 prototype has clocked up 60h over 54 flights, including 18 water bombing tests, according to Beriev.
The first four series-production aircraft are being assembled at the Irkutsk Production Organisation plant in readiness for certification and first deliveries to begin early next year.
Source: Flight International
