The Beriev A-40 Albatros is a Soviet/Russian jet engine amphibious aircraft designed for the anti-submarine warfare role.
Intended as a replacement for the Beriev Be-12 amphibian and the land-based Ilyushin Il-38, the project was suspended after only one prototype had been manufactured, with the second one 70% completed, due to the breakup of the Soviet Union.
The project was later revived as the A-42 and an order has been placed by the Russian Navy.
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.
Variants
A-40
Initial ASW amphibian
1 prototype
A-40M
Projected upgrade to the initial version, utilising a new search and targeting system.
A-40P
Initially a projected aerial firefighting version, able to scoop 25 tonnes (28 tons) of water and transport a team of firefighters.
Later the same designation was used for a projected maritime patrol aircraft in direct competition with the Tupolev Tu-204P.
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.
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.
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 being made of a joint A-42/44 multi-role version, fitted with Progress D-27 propfans.
A-44
Maritime patrol version designed in tandem with the A-42 before the projects were merged into a multi-role aircraft in 1993.
A-42PE
Projected maritime patrol and SAR version intended for export.
