Russian Twin-Amphib Makes a Splash

In the words of Nikolai A. Lavro, Deputy Director General for Technologies, and Chief Designer at Beriev, as he accepted the newest Type Certificate from the FAA's Nick Sabbatini, "This [Type Certificate] represents a real point of success for Beriev and Knaapo." He continued, "I am really glad to [receive] this Type Certificate [on behalf of] all the Russian companies that participated in this project."

The twin is a graceful, 6-place, 5000-lb (gross) amphibian, that is powered by a pair of TCM IO-360ES4 (210hp each) piston engines.It has an ultimate (ferry) range of 594nm, and a cruising altitude of nearly 10,000 feet. Ultimate payload is 732 pounds; and it can hold as much as 539 pounds (90 gallons) of fuel, when necessary. The rest of its time, it will be doing what amphibs do best -- air taxi, medevac, executive transport at resorts, and family travel.

The blended Delta wing is just 41' 9" across, making medium-size lakes and many rivers accessible. The design, well-proven in Russia, is the first to be FAA type certified, from Beriev and Knaapo. US distributorship is building, with a beachhead in New Jersey; and the planes are already here. One, in fact, is in near-to-Oshkosh Lake Winnebago.

FMI: www.beriev.com; www.kmscom.ru