September 25, 2016: the brand-new
Beriev's production seaplane BE-200ES was presented to participants and visitors of Gidroaviasalon 2016 - the 11th international exhibition and conference on naval aviation. The first Taganrog-made Be-200ES amphibian aircraft was
unveiled to the public earlier on May 30 and made its first long-distance flight to the city of Gelendzdhik, where the exhibition is traditionally held.
The President of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) Mr. Yuri Slyusar met the press to make several comments. He explained that the new model was substantially modernized at the request of Russian Defense Ministry and Ministry of Emergencies. The Irkutsk-made base design's variation reached 66 per cent, while the aircraft navigation system was upgraded by 78 per cent. Other improvements into
Beriev Aircraft Corp's model were made to hydraulic and wireless systems. "Within the framework of Import Substitution Programme, we replaced several systems and parts by domestic equivalents. The Be-200ES is now equipped with Russian radars and thermal imaging systems. A lot has been also changed in its interior and furnishings", told Mr. Slyusar.
Several talks were held at Gidroaviasalon 2016 to be followed by pre-contract agreements with Thailand and Indonesia. Four amphibious planes are to be acquired by The Royal Thai Air Force and 4 more by The Indonesian Air Force. "Within the framework of this airshow, we hold talks with 10 countries, with twenty more showing potential interest in two kinds of aircraft: BE-200Es and light amphibious plane BE-103. It's about acquisition of planes and joint promotion at the markets of South-East Asia and China. We also discuss the joint production of BE-103s in China and Kazakhstan", told Mr. Yuri Grudinin, Director General and General Designer of
Beriev.