Beriev A-40

Beriev Aircraft Company

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Headquarters	Russia

The Beriev A-40 Albatros (, NATO reporting name: Mermaid) is a Soviet and Russian jet-powered amphibious flying boat developed by the Beriev Aircraft Company primarily for anti-submarine warfare missions. Intended as a successor to the amphibious turboprop Beriev Be-12 and the land-based Ilyushin Il-38, the program was discontinued after producing a single prototype and a second unit that was about 70% finished, largely due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The project was later revived under the designation A-42 following an order from the Russian Navy, although no additional production or customers materialized. Its civilian derivative, the Be-200, has found greater acceptance in both domestic and international markets.

Design

Constructed entirely from metal, the A-40 incorporates jet engines positioned above the wing roots, mounted on the landing gear pods. Its high-set swept wings feature an anhedral angle and are equipped with balance floats located under each wingtip.

Development

The aircraft’s first flight took place in 1986 unexpectedly during a high-speed taxi test when it inadvertently became airborne. Although the landing was executed safely, the test pilots were subsequently reassigned.

By 1990, two variants were under consideration: the A-42 search and rescue amphibian and the A-44 military patrol bomber. These two concepts were consolidated in 1993; however, development was halted with an A-42 prototype approximately 80% complete.

Interest from the Russian Navy prompted efforts to restore the A-40 prototype’s flight capability in 2002 and finalize construction of the A-42 prototype by 2006. Despite entering a research and development agreement valued at 242 million rubles, financial support ceased in 2011.

On 3 September 2019, the Russian Navy placed an order for three A-42 aircraft intended to be powered by Ukrainian-made Progress D-27 propfan engines produced by Motor Sich, which provide a range of 9,300 km. Planned improvements include upgraded radar systems, enhanced heat-seeking capabilities, advanced navigation equipment, and communication suites. No definitive timeline for entering service has been announced. However, in May 2022, during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces destroyed Motor Sich’s engine manufacturing facility.

Operational history

From 1989 through 1998, the Beriev A-40 established a total of 140 world records.

Variants

A-40

The original anti-submarine warfare amphibious model. One prototype completed; a second was nearly finished at 70%.

A-40M

Proposed upgrade featuring a new search and target acquisition system.

A-40P

Initially conceived as an aerial firefighting platform capable of scooping up to 25 tonnes (28 tons) of water and transporting firefighting personnel. Subsequently redefined as a maritime patrol aircraft candidate competing against the Tupolev Tu-204P.

A-40PM/Be-40P

Civilian version envisioned in 1994 for carrying up to 105 passengers. An export model equipped with CFM engines was proposed, which eventually led to development of the Beriev Be-200.

Be-40PT

Planned cargo/passenger variant designed to transport either 70 passengers, 10 tonnes (11 tons) of freight, or a mixed load of 37 passengers plus up to 6.5 tonnes of cargo.

A-42/Be-42

Search and rescue model intended to succeed the Beriev Be-12PS after the K-278 disaster. Prototype assembly started but was halted in 1993. Current investigations focus on a combined A-42/44 multi-role aircraft powered by Progress D-27 propfan engines.

A-44

Maritime patrol version developed alongside the A-42, later merged into a multi-role platform in 1993.

A-42PE

Export variant designed for maritime patrol and search and rescue missions, equipped with two Progress D-27 propfan engines.

Further Reading

• Yefim Gordon, Andrey Sal'nikov, and Aleksandr Zabotskiy (2006) Beriev's Jet Flying Boats. Hinckley, UK: Midland Publishing.