Over the past years, long-term Barco customers Beriev Aviation Company and the Institute of Aircraft Equipment (NIIAO) have worked to upgrade the Beriev BE-200 amphibious aircraft to actively conduct its certification according to the strict EASA standards. The upgraded Beriev is fitted with an EASA-compliant, full-glass cockpit solution, comprising six Barco MFD-2068 multi-function displays and two customized Barco Control Display and Management Systems (CDMS-3000). In July 2012, the Russian Ministry of Emergencies ordered six of the new Beriev BE-200 planes. Now, barely one year later, the Defense Ministry has ordered six additional new aircraft: two factory-standard BE-200 ChS (ChS is the Russian acronym for ‘emergency situations’) and four BE-200PS search and rescue planes.
Continued trust
In 2012, Beriev and NIIAO chose Barco’s cockpit solution, acknowledging the outstanding quality (i.e. high brightness and contrast, low weight and optimum energy use) and excellent cooperation with Barco in the past. Equally important in the decision was Barco’s unique Modular Open System Architecture (MOSArt), which allows the easy integration of third-party applications, such as flight display or flight management displays.
“This follow-on order confirms that Barco’s technology meets all expectations. Needless to say, we are very pleased by this continued trust,” says Steven Luys, Vice President Strategic Marketing - Barco Defense & Aerospace. “It is a clear affirmation of the potential and continued interest in Barco’s new display technology.”
Mr. Alexander Evgenov, Chief Designer at NIIAO: “The excellent experiences we’ve had with Barco in the past makes them our number one choice when it comes to delivering best-in-class technology for our cockpits.”
Objective: EASA Certification
Initially designed in 1998 to fight forest fires, the Beriev BE-200 has the ability to scoop up 12 tonnes of water in 14 seconds. In addition, the multi-purpose aircraft can also be configured as a freighter or as a passenger aircraft, allowing transportation of up to 72 passengers. Market research has shown that EASA certification will be a major step forward to marketing the Beriev amphibious aircraft worldwide. It is anticipated the Russian Ministry will place an order for more Beriev BE-200 aircraft in the future.