I used to wonder why companies like Beriev were so regular at Indian air and defence shows, with bold displays of their Be-200. Obviously they were expecting this one. The Indian Air Force has floated a brand new tender this month for six amphibious aircraft for “search and rescue missions, inter-island communication, rapid response duties and reconnaissance of islands”. The IAF has set down a preference for a twin turboprop craft with a range of at least 800-nm. The IAF has also said it wants an aircraft with a short take-off capability, a cruising speed of about 200 knots and state-of-the-art avionics and EW kit, including RWR/MAWS. The Bombardier 415 (photo) and the Be-200 appear to be among the very few purpose-built amphibians still being built.EXCLUSIVE: IAF Floats Tender For Six Amphibious Aircraft
I used to wonder why companies like Beriev were so regular at Indian air and defence shows, with bold displays of their Be-200. Obviously they were expecting this one. The Indian Air Force has floated a brand new tender this month for six amphibious aircraft for “search and rescue missions, inter-island communication, rapid response duties and reconnaissance of islands”. The IAF has set down a preference for a twin turboprop craft with a range of at least 800-nm. The IAF has also said it wants an aircraft with a short take-off capability, a cruising speed of about 200 knots and state-of-the-art avionics and EW kit, including RWR/MAWS. The Bombardier 415 (photo) and the Be-200 appear to be among the very few purpose-built amphibians still being built.
these will be based in port blair?
isnt the Be-200 a jet engine based design????
Coast Guard or the Navy would have more utility for such aircraft than the IAF — could be used for SAR / interception / anti-pirate ops etc
I've seen the Bombardier 415s up close in fire-fighting guise. They are built like tanks!
The Beriev A50 Albatross is still around though I think they have stopped production. The Japs built the Shin meiwa PS/US-1 which the CHinese have dutifully copied . I hope they don't offer it to us :)). I always wondered why amphibians went out of fashion .
BE-200 is the way to go..
Even italy and Portugal who are EU members used it instead of bombardier because its cheaper and more efficient
BE200 can also be used for anti sub warfare. It has more uses than the Bombardier. India should go for BE200.