Beriev A-40

A-40 Al'batros

Role: ASW amphibian
Manufacturer: Beriev
First flight: 8 December 1986
Status: in development
Primary user: Russian Naval Aviation
Number built: 1 prototype
Developed into: Beriev Be-200

This article is about the amphibious jet. For Soviet tank airlift project, see Antonov A-40.

The Beriev A-40 Al'batros ("Albatross", NATO reporting name: Mermaid) was a jet-engined amphibious flying boat designed by the Beriev Aircraft Company for the anti-submarine warfare role. Intended as a replacement for the Beriev Be-12 amphibian and the land-based Ilyushin Il-38, the project was suspended after only one prototype had been manufactured, with second 70% completed , due to the break up of the Soviet Union. Recent reports suggest the project has been revived and that an order has been placed by the Russian Navy.

Development

The maiden flight was unplanned; during a high-speed taxi test, the airplane became airborne and ran out of runway, with the crew being forced to continue the takeoff. The subsequent flight and landing went without further incident, but the test crew were downgraded from their duties afterwards despite having saved the aircraft.

On 05 September 2008 the deputy commander of Russian Naval Aviation, Maj.Gen. Nikolai Kuklev, announced that the A-42 is to be adopted as a main SAR and antisubmarine aircraft of the Russian Navy, and a provisional contract for 4 SAR-outfitted aircraft has been awarded to the company, with deliveries to start in 2010. All four aircraft are expected to be in service by 2013. A large contract for hundreds of recon and ASW variants to replace the aging fleet of Be-12 and Il-38 aircraft is under consideration.

Design

Picture - A Beriev A-40 at the 1996 Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford

The A-40 was a jet-engined flying boat patrol bomber of all-metal construction with the engines located above the wing roots. The swept wings had a marked anhedral angle, with balanced floats attached by short pylons directly under each wingtip.

Operational history

Between 1989 and 1998, the Beriev A-40 set an incredible 140 world records.

Variants

A-40

Initial ASW amphibian. 1 prototype built (second is 70% completed).

A-40M

Projected upgrade to the initial version, utilising a new search and targeting system.

A-40P

Initially a projected aerial firefighting version, able to scoop 25 tonnes (28 tons) of water and transport a team of firefighters. Later the same designation was used for a projected maritime patrol aircraft in direct competition with the Tu-204P.

A-40PM (also known as Be-40P)

A projected civil version developed in 1994. Intended to carry 105 passengers, an export version with CFM engines was also offered. These studies led to the development of the Beriev Be-200.

Be-40PT

A projected cargo/passenger version designed to carry 70 passengers, 10 tonnes (11 tons) of cargo or 37 passengers and up to 6.5 tonnes of cargo.

A-42 (also known as Be-42)

A Search and rescue version designed to replace the Beriev Be-12PS, in response to the K-278 disaster. Construction of a prototype began, but was suspended in 1993. Studies are currently being made of a joint A-42/44 multi-role version, fitted with Progress D-27 propfans.

A-44

Maritime patrol version designed in tandem with the A-42 before the projects were merged into a multi-role aircraft in 1993.

A-42PE

Projected maritime patrol and SAR version intended for export. Powered by two Progress D-27 propfans.

Specifications (A-40)

Data from Beriev's Jet Flying Boats

General characteristics

Crew: 8
Length: 43.84 m (143 ft 10in)
Wingspan: 41.62 m (136 ft 6 in)
Height: 11 m (36 ft 1 in)
Wing area: 200 sq m (2,153 sq ft)
Max takeoff weight: 86,000 kg (189,630 lb)
Powerplant: 2x— Soloviev D-30KPV turbofans, 117.7 kN (26,455 lbf) each
Takeoff boosters: 2x Kolesov RD36-35 turbojets, 23 kN (5,180 lbf) each

Performance

Maximum speed: 800 km/h (497 mph)
Range: 4,100 km (2,212 nmi, 2,547 mi) with maximum payload
Service ceiling: 9,700 m (31,825 ft)
Rate of climb: 30 m/s (5,900 ft/min)
Takeoff distance (Land): 1,000 m (3,280 ft)
Takeoff distance (Water): 2,000 m (6,560 ft)
Landing distance (Land): 700 m (2,300 ft)
Landing distance (Water): 900 m (2,950 ft)
Maximum wave height: 2 m (6.5 ft)

Armament

Projected Armament:

(A-40P ASW Aircraft, internal bomb bay)
Sonobuoys, depth charges, mines, plus;
3 Orlan (Sea Eagle) torpedoes, or
6 Korshun (Kite) guided missiles

(A-40P ASW Aircraft, underwing pylons)
Kh-35 Anti-ship missiles

Related development

Beriev Be-200

Bibliography

Yefim Gordon, Andrey Sal'nikov and Aleksandr Zabotskiy (2006) Beriev's Jet Flying Boats. Hinckley, UK: Midland Publishing. ISBN 1-85780-236-5
Lambert, Mark (1993). Jane's All The Worlds Aircraft 1993-94. Coudsdon, UK: Janes's Data Division. ISBN 0 7106 1066 1.
Rendall, David (1995). Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide. Glasgow, UK: HarperCollinsPublishers. pp. 505. ISBN 0-00-4709802.

Beriev A-40 Pictures

More aircraft.

Source: WikiPedia