Russia to produce unique amphibian aeroplane

The Gagarin aircraft production association in Komsomolsk-on-Amur /the Far East/ has launched the batch production of the BE-103 civil amphibian aeroplane. This information was disclosed on Wednesday by the plant's management.

According to the aircraft's designers, there are no similar designs in the world. The Be-103's range exceeds 1,200km, its speed is 283 kmph. It can alight both on land and water. The aircraft can carry 5 passengers and is operated by one pilot.

This design is currently equipped with two American-made 210-power engines. However, designers say they are currently considering an idea of replacing foreign engines with Russian-made ones so that the aircraft could use Russian-produced fuel.