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The Be-2500 super heavy amphibian ground
effect plane displayed at the Beriev TANTK stand
and its most unusual and exotic shape did not fail to attract everybody's attention. So far existing
only in 'virtual reality', the gigantic aircraft with 2,500 t take-off weight features a peculiar configuration as a result of concerted theoretical efforts
by the TANTK aircraft association, TsAGI institute, SibNIA research association and TsIAM research
institute, with research and development commenced as far back as the 1980s.
The design of the Be-2500 passenger/transport version provides for both high-altitude and
wing-in-ground (WIG) flight modes. The
amphibian is a plan-form integral 'flying wing'.
The Be-2500's extended centre section and relative position of the boat hull and the wing allow
the aircraft to plane both on the step and the centre section trailing edge and ensure high
hydrodynamic performance when on the water surface. When at sea, the amphibian is supposed to take oft using the exhaust of its
engines mounted on the forward side fuselage, which flows under the wing creating some sort
of an air cushion facilitating lift-off. Use of the air
cushion effect also ensures safer descent and water landing.
The aircraft is planned to be fitted with
retractable landing gear designed to withstand minimal take-off weight. It is intended to be
used to land on or take off factory airfields for or
following maintenance work, as well as enter the water from a slipway.
The characteristics of the Be-2500 family super heavy amphibians are as follows:
The super heavy amphibians are planned to be mainly employed on transatlantic and
transpacific routes. Their design enables the aircraft to use existing sea-ports and requires
no special infrastructure. Such amphibians can be successfully utilised to perform SAR missions and explore the world ocean by flying
services between sea settlements, which are sure to be set up in the foreseeable future, and
the continent. Another field of application of the Be-2500 type amphibians is the exploration
and exploitation of continental shelves and archipelago areas.
It is quite understandable that the Be-2500
type aircraft are likely to be developed and built
only in the distant future. It stands to reason
that so grand a programme should be implemented in close cooperation with
other countries concerned about the exploration of the
world ocean and development of sea lines of
communication. Beriev's initiatives to design a
future means of transport to be used in the
21st century proves how confident it is about
its future. It is concerned not only about the
pressing problems of today but is also orientated towards permanently beefing up its
scientific and technical potential to meet challenges
that can emerge in the not so distant future.
| Description | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Beriev TANTK | ||
| Type | Be-2500 | Be-2500P | |
| Function | super heavy amphibian ground-effect plane | ||
| Dimensions & Weight | |||
| Wingspan, m | 156 | ||
| Length, m | 123 | ||
| Wing area, sq.m. | 3428 | 3184 | |
| Maximal takeoff weight, t | 2500 | 2500 | |
| Maximal load, t | 1000 | 1000 | |
| Payload, for a 7000 km long route, t | altitude mode (H=10 km) | 700 | 700 |
| ground effect mode | 450 | 450 | |
| Payload, for a 10000 km long route, t | altitude mode (H=10km) | 480 | 460 |
| ground effect mode | 80 | 300 | |
| Power-plant | |||
| Engine type | propfan NK-116 | ||
| Takeoff thrust, t | 6х 105 | ||
| Performance (project) | |||
| Cruise speed, km/h | altitude mode (H=10km) | 800 | 800 |
| ground-effect mode | 450 | 450 | |
| Safe take-off speed, km/h | 420 | 360 | |
| Ferry range, km | altitude mode (H=10km) | 17000 | 15800 |
| ground effect mode | 10700 | 12700 | |
| Take-off run, m | 15000 | 9300 | |
References and Credits: