ОКБ-49

Be-2500
super heavy amphibian ground effect plane

    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.Be-2500P mockup
    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:Be-2500P mockup
    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

 Cheme Бе-2500 with NK-116Схема Be-2500P with NK-116

References and Credits:

  1. Be-2500 outlook / Aerospace Herald № 6 '2000 /
  2. Be-2500 and other... / Strek. Forums of Airbase =Kron= /