Kazakhstan may start producing cutting-edge aircraft for aerial firefighting

Kazakhstan may begin producing modern amphibious Be-103 aircraft for aerial firefighting, Tengrinews.kz reported citing the Aviation Explorer Commonwealth for aviation experts.

“Our customers are interested in two types of aircraft, namely Be-200ES and light amphibious Be-103. We are talking about both the acquisition of aircraft, as well as joint promotion in the markets of the South-East Asia and China, as well as discussing the organization of the Be-103 joint production in China and Kazakhstan”, Yuri Grudinin, General Director of the Taganrog Aviation Scientific Technical Center, said.

Yuri Slusar, President, United Aircraft Construction Corporation (UACC), said that Royal Air Force (RAF) of Thailandand Indonesiashow their interest in Be 200ES and Be-103.

According to the UACC, the plane has a good export potential, because it is the most advanced aircraft in its class. This is the only jet amphibious aircraft in the world that offers advantages in speed of fire fighting, the aircraft can lift twice as much water than its nearest competitor. In addition, the aircraft has demonstrated its ability to extinguish fires in Europe, namely in Greece, France, Portugaland Indonesia.

“These are the customer’s interests to redesign the power structure and the center and wing of the aircraft based on the experience of operating firefighting aircraft. Constructors finalized piloting and navigation system of the aircraft, it has been updated by 78 percent. One has improved hydraulic system. Radio communication equipment was replaced by more modern one. Import substitution of certain systems and components achieves 100 percent, in particular, this regards radar and thermal imaging detection system. Investments to prepare serial production amounted to about RUR four billion (over US $61.5 million). Production capacities of the plant will allow producing up to eight aircraft per year”, the UACC explained.