"In May 2013, Russia’s defence ministry ordered six Be-200s in a deal worth 8.4bn rubles (US$268m). The first two will be basic Be-200ES (Be-200ChS) and will include a firefighting function. The remaining four will be Be-200PS variants which will lack the aerial firefighting capability. In service, the aircraft will have multiple roles, including search and rescue (SAR), maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and cargo/passenger transport."
"For SAR operations, the basic aircraft is equipped with the Airborne Observation System (AOS) from Israel Aerospace Industries’ Tamam Division, including a thermal TV turret installed under the wing; it is also capable of carrying up to 57 survivors/passengers in seats or up to 30 stretcher patients.'
Replaces the 7 remaining Be-12 out of 136 built.
https://www.key.aero/article/first-b...s-first-flight
