The first Be-200 amphibian aircraft will be delivered to the Eastern Military District (EMD) in 2015 under the State Defense Order. The jets may be used for transporting cargo and fire-fighting operations, i-Mash reports with reference to the press-service of EMD.

“In the network of the State Defense Order for 2015 Be-200 multi-role amphibian aircraft will be delivered to an air base located in Primorski Krai. The aircraft may be operated from unpaved runways and ice airfields, may land on water, carry up to 6 tons of cargo and up to 12 tons of water,” said in the statement.

It was noted that Be-200 is fitted with navigation equipment, which allows detecting the fire seat. After the first approach the equipment guides the jet to the fire seat automatically, which is very important under smoke conditions. Eight water tanks are located below the floor of the jet’s cabin. 

Moreover, transport version of the aircraft may deliver cargo to hard-to-reach regions of the country having no traditional airfields.