Beriyev to roll out first Be-200 powered with Sa-M146 engine in 2021.

The G.M. Beriyev Aviation Scientific-Technical Complex, the producer of the Be-200 amphibious aircraft, will equip its first Be-200 with a new Sa-M146 engine in 2021, the company said.

A Beriev Be-200 amphibious multirole aircraft
(Credit: UAC)

"At present, the company is studying a possibility of installing a Russian-French Sa-M146 engine on the Be-200 amphibious aircraft. The first SaM146-equipped Be-200 aircraft is to be ready in 2021," the Beriyev said.

Be-200 amphibious aircraft have been using Ukrainian D-436 engines so far.The company based in Taganrog in southern Russia said the Be-200 was going to change with years.

"In a long-term perspective we are planning to carry out weight optimization of its air frame and systems; replace its engines and modernize the existing on-board equipment. Together, all these factors will improve the aircraft’s flight and performance characteristics," the Beriyev aviation complex said.

The Beriev Be-200 "Altair" is a multipurpose amphibious aircraft designed by the Beriev Aircraft Company and manufactured by Irkut. The multirole Be-200 can be configured as an amphibious water drop fire-fighting aircraft, a freighter, or as a passenger aircraft—the pressurised and air conditioned cabin allowing transportation of up to 72 passengers.

The Be-200 can also be equipped for special missions. Four retractable water scoops, two forward and two aft of the fuselage step can be used to scoop a total of 12 tonnes of water in 14 seconds. It is powered by two Progress D-436TP turbofans, with 7,500 kgf (16,534 lbf) each.

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