Sukhoi's KnAAPO (Komsomolsk-upon-Amur Aircraft Production Association) plant has produced a prototype of the SA-20P amphibian - the first aircraft the production plant has designed.
The SA-20P is a single-engined version of the twin-engined BerievBe-103 amphibian manufactured at KnAAPO. The production plant acquired the rights to use Be-103 documentation from Beriev.
The SA-20P has a single engine on the central pylon above the centre fuselage, replacing the Be-103's two Teledyne Continental Motors IO-360s. The prototype has the 270kW (360hp) Vedeneyev M-14P radial piston engine, but also under consideration is a 315kW Rolls-Royce turboprop and other engines in the 300-370kW class, says Pavel Polishuk, head of KnAAPO's engineering department and SA-20P chief designer.
The SA-20P has a traditional horizontal tail with an elevator replacing the smaller all-moving control surface on the Be-103. The prototype has performed high-speed water runs, and its first flight is scheduled for next month. Certification to Russian AP-23 airworthiness requirements, harmonised with US FAR Part 23, is due next year, with deliveries in 2004.
KnAAPO believes it can offer the M-14P-powered SA-20P at $100,000 less than the $600,000 price of the standard Be-103. The SA-20P's empty weight is 150kg (330lb) less than the Be-103's 1,760kg.
Source: Flight International
