T-500A modified with flotation landing gear

Rostec has modified its T-500A aircraft to add flotation landing gear to support patrol and SAR operations in coastal areas, the company announced on 6 September.

With the flotation landing gear, the geographical deployment of the T-500A has been increased. No runways are required in order to operate the new modification of the lightweight all-composite aircraft which can be based on water aerodromes, river and sea ports.

The T-500A is a modification of the T-500 specialised aircraft. The project is being carried out by ORPE Technologiya together with MVEN Company.

Sergey Abramov, industrial director of Rostec, said: ‘It is a modern multi-functional glider, which can be used for performing a wide range of tasks, such as search and rescue operations for detecting casualties and delivering rescue equipment and medications, delivering various cargoes from mail to urgent cargo, and patrolling coastal and remote areas.

‘At the same time it is a universal aircraft – its flotation landing gear can be quickly replaced with wheel or ski gear if needed.’