Beriev Be-103 Bekas (Snipe) program gathers pace, as the Russians find more customers for the six-seat amphibian. This spring the KnAAPO plant at Komsomolsk-on-Amur, which builds the Be-103, started serial production of a 30-strong batch. The first 10 will be manufactured this year, followed by 20 in 2005.
The biggest firm order so far for the twin Teledyne Continental IO-360-powered, FAR Part 23-certificated, $1 million amphibian is for 20 aircraft for China. Five more are earmarked for Russian domestic market, while others are for international customers. According to Sukhoi officials (KnAAPO is a part of Sukhoi), a contract is being negotiated with Bulgaria for two aircraft, with an eye on eight more in the future. Malaysia is finalizing a contract for three to five airplanes. But the most promising contract is with Saudi Arabia, which is issuing an official tender for light patrol flying boats. "The contract is estimated at 50 aircraft," KnAAPO officials told Show News. Beriev Aircraft Co. can be found with IRKUT Corp. in Hall 1, Stand E8.
