The glory of Russian aviation is born in the silence of design bureaus, in the midst of pragmatic romantics who gave man wings and taught large machines not only to fly but also to swim. Specialists of PJSC TANTK them. G.M.Berieva has been working in the field of aircraft engineering for more than 80 years and during this time they created several generations of aircraft.
For reconnaissance and battle
Taganrog Aviation Scientific and Technical Complex named after Beriev G.M. was founded on October 1 in 1938. The first head of the organization was Georgy Beriev, whose name was subsequently assigned to the complex. In the pre-war years, engineers and developers of the institution created MBR-2 aircraft intended for near-field reconnaissance, and Beriev created a prototype in 1932. Also successful was the release of ship seaplanes "KOR-1" and "KOR-2", launched in flight using a ship catapult. Both cars took an active part in the Great Patriotic War.
In the post-war period, the need arose for airborne state borders. In TANTK them. Berieva began to develop a flying boat type "Be-6". The idea was successful, and a release was launched that began in 1956. In total, 123 copies of the Be-6 were released, released in 19 series, production lasted for 5 years.
Post-war years
In the fifties, jet aircraft with the possibility of water landing "Be-10" were produced. They were developed for long-range reconnaissance with the ability to drop bombs and torpedoes at targets on the high seas, naval bases and structures. It also required the ability of an aircraft to set mines. Serial production of amphibious aircraft began in 1957.
The task was completed in record time. The design was complex, and engineers TANTK them. G.M.Berieva had to constantly refine it. In October 1961, a tragedy occurred with this type of aircraft: during an air parade in Moscow, one of them crashed. The aircraft was not accepted into service, a total of 30 Be-10 units were produced. Despite the significant shortcomings, the Be-10 was a great success. With its help, twelve world records were set, the most significant of which - the speed record for amphibious aircraft (912 km / h) has not been broken so far. The model was completely decommissioned in 1968.
Development 60-80 years
In 1968, the first chief designer G.M. Beriev went on a well-deserved rest, the measure was forced - his health failed. The bureau’s latest development under the guidance of the master was a Be-30 civilian aircraft, and politics prevented its release. After 25 years, they returned to the idea and brought it to life. The Be-32K aircraft took part in the Paris exhibition and aroused interest among industry experts at the international level.
At the end of the seventies, the G. M. Beriev TANTK developed a new specialization - the development and production of A-50 early warning and targeting radar systems, as well as the development of Tu-142MP systems providing ultra-long-distance communications. The base for them should have been armed aircraft. In the same period, work began on the design bureau to create a unique aircraft, which was the pride of the domestic aircraft industry - the super-heavy jet "A-40".
"Albatross"
"Albatross" or "A-40" - this is the most protracted project TANTK them. Berieva, who later became a sensation. On the basis of the design bureau two prototypes were made. Flights started in 1987, during its history Albatross set 143 world flight records, it became a sensation at all exhibitions. The A-40 military model is equipped with equipment adapted to transport more than 6 tons of bombs, torpedoes and other weapons.
On its acquisition in the early 90s, negotiations were conducted with leading foreign countries. Great Britain expressed the intention to replace its amphibious patrol fleet with the A-40. But the period during which the negotiation processes took place was a crisis for Russia. The leadership of the Navy notified KB them. Beriev about the freezing of funding and the lack of need for the army in aircraft of this class.
PJSC TANTK Beriev designed three modifications of this model - passenger, transport and rescue. In the passenger model, the passenger compartment is designed for 105 passengers. Customers and buyers for these aircraft is not yet located. At the same time, design bureaus believe that the situation will change for the better, since Albatros is an ideal amphibious aircraft for use in offshore oil and gas production.
Modernity
To date, TANTK them. Berieva develops and implements seaplanes for many areas of the country's economic activity. A multi-purpose Be-200 aircraft was developed on the basis of the Irkutsk Aviation Enterprise:
- For the Ministry of Emergencies of the Russian Federation.
- Fire-fighting purpose (takes on board up to 12 tons of water).
- Freight and passenger destination.
The company modernized Be-12 seaplanes, which have already participated in putting out fires in Chukotka, in the Irkutsk region, on the Crimean peninsula. The Be-12NX transport model has found application in the Far North and is used for cargo transportation in Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands.
One of the latest design developments of the Design Bureau named after Beriev became the Be-103 seaplane - a light model for passenger traffic (5-6 people). On the approach to implementation, the Be-112, Be-114 projects, giant seaplanes with a take-off mass of more than 1000 tons are becoming a promising area.
Association and activities
In 2011, to the TANTK them. Beriev was merged with TAVIA OJSC. The company is developing new models of aircraft for the Russian and foreign markets. Main activities:
- Research (experimental, theoretical) aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, equipment, design materials for aviation.
- Development of new models of aircraft and equipment.
- Certification and flight tests of new equipment.
- Introduction into serial production of aircraft for various purposes.
- Training and advanced training of technical and flight personnel.
- Maintenance of sold equipment (technical and scientific advice, repairs, etc.).
- Leasing of aircraft, etc.
Reviews
About TANTK them. Beriev among people interested in aircraft construction and industry development, only positive reviews. Most have high hopes for the revival of mass construction of seaplanes and see this as a positive trend. Judging by media reports, the design bureau is provided with work for several years to come, which indicates the high professionalism of employees and the competitiveness of products.
The official poll of employees last took place in 2007, since then the situation has changed a lot. The association began to work according to international standards, conduct appropriate certification and receive orders from the IMF of Russia.