Russia’s leading design bureau in the area of amphibious aircraft – Beriev Aircraft Company, turned 80. On October 1st 1934 the Central Design Bureau specializing in amphibious aircraft was established at the Aviation Plant No.31 (Taganrog). It was headed by Georgy Mikhailovich Beriev, who was appointed Chief Designer of the bureau. The design bureau specialized in development of seaplanes, said in the company’s statement.

Since 1934 Beriev Aircraft Company developed over 30 types of aircraft, 14 of them were in mass production. Seaplanes and amphibious aircraft developed by the company have set 288 world records. Short-range reconnaissance aircraft MBR-2, carrier-based seaplanes KOR-1 (Be-2) and KOR-2 (Be-4) developed before the war were being successfully operated by the navy during the Great Patriotic War.

In 1940s - 1960s the following world-famous aircraft were developed: Be-6 flying boat, Be-10 jet seaplane and the largest amphibious aircraft (at that time) Be-12. These vehicles have been successfully operated and demonstrated solid aircraft and seagoing performance, confirmed by dozens of world records. The short-haul Be-30 (Be-32) aircraft was designed in 1968. In 1970s – 1980s the enterprise focused on conventional aircraft. During this period the mass production of Tu-142MR radio relay aircraft was started and A-50 AWACS aircraft fitted with Shmel radar set was developed. The enterprise took part in development of Buran space shuttle. In addition, at that time the enterprise developed an experimental vertical takeoff and landing amphibious aircraftVVA-14 in accordance with a project designed by R.L. Bartini. In 1980 the government approved the development of A-40 Albatross jet amphibious aircraft. In 1986 A-40 performed its maiden flight. A-40 Albatross was the largest jet amphibious aircraft in the world offering a unique aircraft and seagoing performance. Various models were derived from this aircraft. In 1990 Beriev Aircraft Company started development of light amphibious aircraft Be-103. The aircraft was certified in accordance with JAR-23 (Russia) and FAR-23 (USA) standards as well as Brazilian, Chinese and European regulations. The possible layout and configuration of Be-112, Be-114 and Be-101 advanced amphibious aircraft. In 1998 multi-role amphibian aircraft Be-200 performed its maiden flight. Its mass production and sales are one of the company’s top-priority activities.

In May 2011 the state contract for delivery of six new Be-200ChS aircraft to EMERCOM of Russia during the 2013-2014 period was signed. Moreover, in 2012 the company struck contract with Russian Ministry of Defense for delivery of six Be-200 amphibious aircraft. Beriev Aircraft Company is doing its best to expand its order backlog and geography of deliveries. One of the most important advantages of Be-200ChS is the fact that the vehicle had already obtained the necessary certification.

Besides seaplanes, Beriev Aircraft Company specializes in development of special-purpose aircraft. One of the company’s top-priority projects is development of radar surveillance and guidance systems. In 2011 the contract between Rosoboronexport, India and Israel for development of three AWACS aircraft for Indian air forces was implemented. This aircraft was developed in close cooperation between ELTA/IAI (Israel) and Russian enterprises. The A-50 aircraft operated by Russian air forces is being upgraded. These A-50 aircraft are being upgraded to A-50U version; development of a new AWACS aircraft is in progress.

"Today Beriev Aircraft Company (part of United Aircraft Corporation) is one of the largest and most advanced aviation plants in Russia. Its unique engineering school holds a leading position in terms of development of seaplanes and amphibious aircraft", - the press-service noted.