The Beriev Be-103 (in English sometimes called "Snipe")[2] is an amphibiousseaplane designed by Beriev and constructed by the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO) in Russia. Intended for autonomous operation in the unmarked areas of Russia's far north and Siberia, the Be-103 was designed for short-haul routes in regions that have rivers, lakes and streams, but are otherwise inaccessible.
Design and development
The Be-103 is a mid-wing monoplane, making use of the modified wing roots as water-displacing sponsons.[3] It features an all-moving slab tail and retractable tricycle landing gear for land operations. Its hallmark and most distinguishing design feature is the water-displacing wing, an unusual feature for a seaplane, with three aquaplaning implements (planing step, port and starboard wing trailing edges) which substantially enhance the aircraft's on-the-water stability and seaworthiness.
The Be-103 features include an advanced, blended wing, swept at 22°, with 11-foot (3.4 m)-long fixed leading edge slats, trailing-link main landing gear, and three-bladed MT-12 reverse pitch propellers. Fuel is stored in the wet wings. The aircraft is built from aluminium-lithium alloy with titanium used in high-stress areas. A 30-parameter, five-hour flight data recorder, engine fire-detection systems and an ice detector are also standard,[1] as are hydraulic brakes. However, unlike most modern aircraft, the Be-103 is not equipped with wing flaps.[3]
When flying solo, ballast must be placed near the right front seat due to center of gravity issues.[1]
On 1 August 2003, FAA Director Marion Blakey visited the Be-103's display area at the exhibition in order to familiarize herself personally with the aircraft and to meet representatives of the developer, manufacturer and Air Register.
The obtaining of FAA certification allows official sales of the Be-103 to begin in Canada and the US.[7] After the exhibition, the first production Be-103 aircraft were officially handed over to its American dealer, Kent Linn of Sky Manor Airport in Pittstown, New Jersey. Domestic and international market demands (until 2015) were estimated at 520 and 250–330 units, respectively.[citation needed]
The Be-103 was the first Russian aircraft to be in the "Normal" category by the FAA.[1] and along with the Dornier Seastar is the only twin-engine amphibian currently in production.[citation needed]
Operators
As of 2010, three aircraft were on the United States civil register.[8] In 2004 China signed a US$20 million contract with KnAAPO for the delivery of 20 aircraft.[9] In 2016 contract was signed between Taganrog-based Beriev Aircraft Company and the Chinese Energy Leader Aircraft Manufacturing to start licensed production of Beriev Be-103 in China.[10]
