Be-200 ~ Multipurpose Russian UAC Amphibian Jet Aircraft

The Russian United Aircraft company's Beriev group has a fantastically interesting multipurpose amphibious jet plane, the Be-200, which can take-off and land on either land or water, can carry passengers or cargo, including 12 tons of water -- scooped-up from lake, river, or sea while flying (!) -- for fire-fighting purposes. This aircraft should enable much more effective coastal resource management, emergency support, and tourism to myriad islands and other near-shore areas without land-based airfields and other heavyweight infrastructure. Check out the sales video...