The Т-500 operational capability was significantly increased through the equipping it with floatation landing gear. The Т-500А can be applied for patrol, search-and-rescue operations in coastal areas, work on rivers and lakes surrounded by large forest areas. Moreover, the aircraft is useful for small freight delivery to remote water-based regions and the delivery of special freight such as survival gear and medicines.
The Т-500А, as well as the Т-500, has all-composite airframe providing the aircraft with light weight and corrosion resistance. Besides, due to technologies used in the aircraft molding, it can be operated in any environmental conditions. The Т-500А is equipped with quick-response parachute escape system making it possible to ensure safety of both the aircraft and the pilot. The aircraft is capable of carrying the cargo of up to 440 kg.
The aircraft operation does not require the special flight strips as it can be based on the water airdromes, at the river and sea ports and the terminals with mooring equipment. The aircraft flexibility, among others, provides a means for prompt substitution of floatation landing gear for wheel or ski landing ones.
“The Т-500 project has great potential. There is a demand for the low-maintenance cost-effective vehicles not only in agricultural sector. In particular, the Т-500А-type aircraft are required by Ministry of Emergency Situations, environmental, security and even mail delivery services. We are planning to keep on developing the Т-500 aircraft range. We have already received an order for 10 aircraft we are to release to the end of 2018, and we are going to sign an option agreement at Hydroaviasalon-2018 on the delivery of 200 aircraft to the operator within five years”, stated Andrei Silkin, Director General of ORPE Technologiya.
ORPE Technologiya is carrying out the Т-500 release within the framework of the strategy of the increase in civilian industry product volume. In 2017, the enterprise share of civilian industry product sales revenue reached 19.7 per cent. The enterprise is to increase the figure to 37.4 per cent by 2025 through the production of the aircraft Т-500 along with the introduction of new product to the market.
