Four domestic amphibious aircraft performed demonstration flights with water landings in Cheboksary. As part of the first All-Russian Forum "Reka", spectators were presented with the SK-14 "Orion", L-65, L-146M, and Borey – all machines are produced in Tyumen and Samara.
The main advantage of seaplanes is their fuel versatility. The twin-engine L-65 consumes about 50 liters of automotive gasoline per hour at a speed of 200–250 km/h. Dmitry Sumenkov, Vice-President of the Russian General Aviation Federation, explained: the engines are designed for 92nd, 95th, and 100th octane gasoline. This eliminates the need for aviation kerosene and airfield infrastructure – refueling can be done at a regular gas station by the river.
More than 200 such machines are already operating throughout the country – from the Arctic to Chukotka. They are used for forest monitoring, cargo transportation, tourist flights, and rescue operations in hard-to-reach areas.
Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin and Rosaviatsiya head Dmitry Yadrov arrived at the forum, where they discussed with manufacturers the prospects for expanding the amphibious fleet.
Read more on the topic:
- Innovative "Pilgrim" Seaplane from "AviaTech" to be Presented at the International Hydroaviation Rally "Wings of the Satellite - 2026"
- Russian engineers from Samara presented a hydrogen seaplane in Switzerland
- The latest strike unmanned hydroplane for FPV drone ammunition is being developed by engineers from the "Spektr" Design Bureau