Beriev Be-103
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Komsomolsk-on-Amur , Russia |
The Beriev Be-103—also referred to as the "Snipe"—is an amphibious aircraft engineered by Beriev and manufactured by the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO) in Russia. It is specifically designed for short-distance flights within Russia’s isolated northern and Siberian territories, capable of independent operation in regions abundant with rivers and lakes but lacking substantial infrastructure.
Design and development
The Be-103 presents as a mid-wing monoplane, incorporating redesigned wing roots that function as water-displacing sponsons. Its unique wing configuration, featuring three aquaplaning components, significantly improves stability and seaworthiness when on water. The aircraft is equipped with an all-moving slab tail and retractable tricycle landing gear to facilitate land operations.
Noteworthy design elements include a blended wing swept back at 22°, fixed leading-edge slats measuring 11 feet in length, trailing-link main landing gear, and three-bladed MT-12 propellers capable of reverse pitch. Fuel tanks are integrated within wet wings. The structure employs an aluminium-lithium alloy complemented by titanium reinforcements in areas subjected to high stress. Standard onboard systems encompass a flight data recorder monitoring 30 parameters over five hours, engine fire detection, ice detection equipment, and hydraulic braking. The Be-103 notably omits wing flaps. Due to center of gravity constraints, ballast must be positioned appropriately during solo flights.
Certification
On 21 July 2003, the Be-103 attained its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification during the EAA AirVenture event held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; the aircraft was transported there via An-124 airlift. The certification was authorized by FAA co-chairman Nicholas Sabatini. Additionally, the aircraft has been certified in Brazil, China, the European Union, and Russia.
FAA Director Marion Blakey inspected the Be-103 exhibit on 1 August 2003, engaging with the development team and manufacturer representatives.
The FAA certification facilitated authorized sales within Canada and the United States. Following this approval, initial production models were delivered to Kent Linn, an American dealer operating from Sky Manor Airport in Pittstown, New Jersey.
Operators
By 2010, three units were registered under the United States civil aircraft registry. In 2004, China entered into a contract valued at US$20 million with KnAAPO for the acquisition of 20 aircraft. Later in 2016, Beriev Aircraft Company partnered with Chinese Energy Leader Aircraft Manufacturing to initiate licensed production of the Be-103 within China.
Variants
- Be-103
- A twin-engine light amphibious utility aircraft accommodating one pilot alongside five passengers.
- SA-20P
- A variant seating eight individuals powered by a single VOKEM M14X radial engine; only one prototype was constructed.
Further reading
- G.M.Beriev Taganrog Aviation Scientific Engineering Complex Press-release No.8, 24 April 1998.
- Beriev USA
- FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet A55CE