Russia Considers Production of Amphibious Aircraft in China

10.09.2012 Russia is about to deliver somewhat seventeen amphibious airplanes Be-103 to China and to hold negotiations on license production of such aircraft in People's Republic of China, said Viktor Kobzev, director general of the Beriev Aircraft Scientific and Engineering Center (Taganrog, Russia).

"We have already delivered several airplanes there, and now the question is to sign a contract and sell other 17 airplanes", reported Interfax referring to Kobzev.

As for him, the aircraft have passed certification, and a group of Chinese experts will arrive in Taganrog on Friday to train in the aircraft handling. Both pilots and technicians will be trained. "Today we're talking about license production of Be-103 aircraft in China", Kobzev said.

Meanwhile, it was reported that Russian Navy had ordered eight Be-200 amphibious aircraft. The first airplane will be delivered in 2014, Kobzev said.

"As far as I know, defense minister has already endorsed all documents on those eight airplanes. The only matter is final price for every type of airplanes", said Kobzev.

As for him, Navy buys two Be-200 airplanes going in line with EMERCOM variant Be-200ChS, four search-and-rescue airplanes, and two special-purpose airplanes without firefighting equipment.

"That was Navy's initiative to purchase those airplanes. Defense minister familiarized with production process and gave appropriate directions. Late in Sept, it is planned to amend arms procurement plan and include those aircraft. All signatures and all documents are ready", Kobzev said.

As for him, the first airplane will be delivered to Russian Navy in 2014 and the eighth one will close the series in 2016.

The 8-plane contract will cost about RUR 14 bln. "The contract value is off the record. It will be about 14 billion rubles", said Kobzev.

According to him, Russian defense ministry gives manufacturers good advances but imposes strict fine sanctions. At first, 5% of contract cost regardless the term of delay; then – 0.1% of that sum and 0.1% in every day of delay. "Fines sometimes make 30% and even more", stressed Kobzev.

It was also reported that four engines for Be-200 aircraft will be delivered by JSC Motor Sich (Zaporozhye, Ukraine). That was said by the company's director Vyacheslav Boguslayev.

"We are tasked to produce reversals for engines of Be-200; that will improve the aircraft performance. This year we're to deliver four engines to the Beriev center", Boguslayev said.

JSC Motor Sich also plans to cooperate with the Beriev aircraft center in production of small-size airplanes Be-32 and Be-103, Boguslayev said.

Besides, Motor Sich made an engine for Mi-26 helicopter with full-responsible electronic control system developed by Ufa Design Bureau. "We have made such engine, tested it and plan to deliver by the year end. Performance of Mi-26 will be improved, just like the client wants", Boguslayev added.