Irkut, EADS and Rolls-Royce Deutschland study deal on Be-200

EADS, Irkut and Rolls-Royce Deutschland have finalised a feasibility study on the Russian-made amphibious aircraft Be-200. The study has identified a market potential for 320 aircraft in 25 countries over the next 20 years as fire-fighting and multi-role mission aircraft. In its role as an amphibious fire-fighting aircraft it has a unique water scooping capacity of up to 12 t (3000 US Gallons).

"EADS and its partners are now preparing the detailed sales proposition for the Western markets", says Jan Zesewitz, Senior Vice President Marketing of EADS. "This includes Western certification and provision of a full product and customer support capability."

Based on the successful completion of the joint feasibility study Irkut, EADS and Rolls-Royce Deutschland will offer the fire fighting version of the Be-200 with BR715 engines in August during MAKS 2003 Air Show in Moscow. The three partners are preparing for the introduction of the aircraft mainly in Europe, North America and Australia.

"The Be-200 is a unique multi-role aircraft that can be used for a whole range of tasks: search and rescue (SAR), transportation of passengers and freight, maritime surveillance, etc.

However, it is the fire-fighting version equipped with BR715 engines that has the best chances in the world's markets," says Valery Bezverkhny, Vice President of Irkut.

The study suggested that powering the Be-200 with two modern Rolls-Royce BR715 engines would increase fuel efficiency and reliability. "Its excellent fuel efficiency and extremely high reliability make the BR715 the ideal power plant for the Be-200" saids Stefan Zimmermann, Head of Business Development for Rolls-Royce Deutschland.

The Be-200 was developed for fire-fighting missions. It is equipped with two jet engines, can take off and land on water or ground and is able to scoop 12 tons of water in 17 seconds. Two prototypes are already flying and the aircraft has been certified in Russia for fire-fighting mission. The launch customer is the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, which has ordered seven aircraft. One of these aircraft will be delivered to the customer in June 2003.

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