GELENDZHIK. Aug 6 (Interfax-AVN) - The first Be-103 amphibious planes are expected to be delivered to China in late September, said Viktor Kobzev, director general of the Beriyev aircraft research and technical corporation in Taganrog.

"The first Beriyev Be-103's will be sent to China on September 29," Kobzev said in Gelendzhik, where the 6th Gidroaviasalon air show opens on Wednesday.

The first consignment will comprise ten planes, but in total, 49 Be-103's will be delivered to China under a contract, he said in response to a question from Interfax-AVN.

The Be-103 was certified in China and the presentation of the certificate was held in Beijing in January 2006.

The planes were ordered by China Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC.)

According to Kobzev, Brazil is the second largest foreign buyer of Be-103 planes. "We have a solid contract with Brazil on the supply of 20 Be-103 pieces to that country," he said.

The Be-103 was developed by the Beriyev corporation. Its mass-production is handled by the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft production association, part of the Sukhoi holding company.

The Be-103 is intended for airlifting six people (one pilot and five passengers, or two pilots and five passengers). Its flight range is up to 1,100 km, and cruising speed is 240 km/h. The plane can make flights in the daytime and at night. Its sea-keeping performance is two points (wave height of 0.6 m).