Regional turboprop up for rejuvenation (257 words)

Published: 6/22/2001

The long expected demise of the Be-32 regional turboprop continues to defy its critics and is viewed by its potential producers as a viable low cost competitor in the regional market. Beriev, IAPO, Klimov and Motor-Sich have recently signed a memorandum of understanding relating to the development of a derivative of the Be-32 - designated the Be-132MK - directly aimed at the market currently being sought by the Ukrainian produced An-38. The new aircraft will have a longer fuselage, with a pressurized cabin for 22-24 passengers, as opposed to the 16 offered by the Be-32K and be powered by the two Klimov VK-1500P (TV3-117VMA) 1500 hp turboprops, which in January were reported to being considered by Klimov for the Be-32K. The new power plant will replace the TVD-10B and P&W PK6A-65Bs, offered as options on the Be-32. Recycling the same group of customers put forward for the Be-32, Beriev says that, if a launch customer is found, the project can be launched in October, with the first prototype flying in 2003 and production starting in 2005. The remaining Be-32K would be used as a test bed. The major investor in the new enterprise is IAPO and, as such, yet another blow to the prospects of Taganrog Aviation, which had led the original consortium named ZAO Mercury to market the Be-32K. According to Alexi Fiodorov, Chairman of IAPO, production will be set up at Beriev, which is located in Taganrog, where the company's production facilities are located.

Article ID: 2602