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The Beriev A-40 Albatros (NATO reporting name: Mermaid) is a Soviet/Russian jet engine amphibious aircraft 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,[3] the project was suspended after only one prototype had been manufactured, with the second one 70% completed,[4] due to the breakup of the Soviet Union.[5] The project was later revived as the A-42 and an order has been placed by the Russian Navy.[2]

This article needs to be updated. (August 2020)

A-40 Albatros (Be-42)
Beriev A-40 at Gelendzhik, 2004
Role	ASW amphibious aircraft Type of aircraft
Designer	Beriev Aircraft Company
First flight	8 December 1986[1]
Status	In development[2]
Primary user	Russian Naval Aviation
Number built	1 prototype
Developed into	Beriev Be-200

Development

The maiden flight in 1986[6] 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.

By 1990 two variants were planned, with a search and rescue amphibian being designated the A-42, and a military patrol version designated as the A-44.[6] The A-42 and A-44 versions were combined in 1993, but work on amphibians came to a halt in that year with an A-42 prototype 80% completed.[6][2]

In 2002, after renewed Russian Navy interest, the A-40 prototype was restored to airworthiness, and in 2006 the A-42 prototype was completed.[6] The Defense Ministry signed an R&D agreement for $242 million rubles but pulled the plug in 2011.[6]

On 3 September 2019, the Russian Navy announced an order for three A-42 aircraft, which would probably use two Progress D-27 propfans as the powerplant and have increased range to 9300 km.[2] This version would be upgraded to expand its combat capabilities, including a new radar comprising a viewing sight, heat seekers, piloting and navigational complex to measure sea waves, and new communications equipment.[2] An estimated service entry date was not provided, though.[2]

Design

The A-40 is a jet-engined flying boat patrol bomber of all-metal construction with the engines located above the wing roots, atop each of the main landing gear nacelles at the rear of each wing root. The swept wings had a marked anhedral angle, with balance floats attached by short pylons directly under each wingtip.

Operational history

Between 1989 and 1998, the Beriev A-40 set 140 world records.[7]

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.[8]

A-40P

Initially a projected aerial firefighting version, able to scoop 25 tonnes (28 tons) of water and transport a team of firefighters.[9] Later the same designation was used for a projected maritime patrol aircraft in direct competition with the Tupolev Tu-204P.[10]

A-40PM/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.[11]

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.[11]

A-42/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^[when?] being made of a joint A-42/44 multi-role version, fitted with Progress D-27 propfans.[12]

A-44

Maritime patrol version designed in tandem with the A-42 before the projects were merged into a multi-role aircraft in 1993.[12]

A-42PE

Projected maritime patrol and SAR version intended for export. Powered by two Progress D-27 propfans.[13]

Specifications (A-40)

Data from Beriev's Jet Flying Boats[14]

General characteristics

• Crew: 8
• Length: 43.84 m (143 ft 10 in)
• Wingspan: 41.62 m (136 ft 7 in)
• Height: 11 m (36 ft 1 in)
• Wing area: 200 m² (2,200 sq ft)
• Max takeoff weight: 86,000 kg (189,598 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 × Soloviev D-30KPV turbofan engines, 117.7 kN (26,500 lbf) thrust each
• Powerplant: 2 × Rybinsk RD-36-35 turbojet engines, 23 kN (5,200 lbf) thrust each take-off boosters

Performance

• Maximum speed: 800 km/h (500 mph, 430 kn)
• Range: 4,100 km (2,500 mi, 2,200 nmi) [15]
• Service ceiling: 9,700 m (31,800 ft) [15]
• Rate of climb: 30 m/s (5,900 ft/min) [15]
  
• Take-off run on land: 1,000 m (3,281 ft)
• Take-off run on water: 2,000 m (6,562 ft)
• Landing distance (ground): 700 m (2,297 ft)
• Landing distance (water): 900 m (2,953 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

See also

Related development

• Beriev Be-200

Related lists

• List of flying boats and floatplanes

References

Bibliography

На других языках

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[de] Berijew Be-42

Die Berijew Be-42 / A-40 Albatros (russisch Бериев Бе-42 / А-40 Альбатрос) ist ein sowjetisch/russisches Transportflugzeug und das weltgrößte Amphibienflugzeug. Sie blieb jedoch mit nur zwei hergestellten Flugzeugen ein Prototyp und erreichte nicht die Serienfertigung. Die Planung sah vor, dass die Be-42 die Rolle der luftgestützten U-Bootabwehr in der russischen Marine von der Berijew Be-12 und der Iljuschin Il-38 übernehmen sollte.

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- [en] Beriev A-40

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[fr] Beriev Be-42

Le Beriev Be-42 / A-40 Albatros (en russe : « Бе-42 / А-40 Альбатрос ») était le prototype d’un avion amphibie lourd qui n’a jamais atteint le stade de la fabrication en série.

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[it] Beriev A-40

Il Beriev A-40 Al'batros (in cirillico Бериев A-40 Альбатрос (Albatros) nome in codice NATO Mermaid, Sirena[2]) è un aereo anfibio o idrovolante bimotore a getto progettato dalla Beriev per la guerra anti-sommergibile. Inteso come rimpiazzo per l'aereo anfibio Beriev Be-12 e quello di base a terra Ilyushin Il-38[3], il progetto venne sospeso dopo che soli due prototipi vennero costruiti, a causa del collasso dell'Unione Sovietica.[4]

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[ru] А-40 «Альбатрос»

А-40 «Альбатрос» (Бе-42, изделие «В», по кодификации НАТО: Mermaid) — советский многоцелевой самолёт-амфибия, самый большой в мире реактивный самолёт-амфибия.

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