Sukhoi/Beriev Be-103 “Snipe”

The light amphibian built for regional water and land operations

Overview

Sukhoi Russia ICAO: B103 2003–Present $1.5 million

The Sukhoi/Beriev Be-103 is a light twin-engine amphibious aircraft developed in Russia for regional transport. Designed to operate from both runways and water surfaces, it targeted remote communities and coastal routes. The aircraft represents a modern continuation of the Beriev amphibious tradition.

Live Fleet Activity (B103)

📡

Fetching live data…

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Continental IO-360-ES4 fuel-injected
Engine type
Piston
Power
2 × 210 hp · 157 kW
Avionics
Avidyne Entegra
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
5
Crew
—
Cabin width
4 ft 1 in  ·  1.25 m
Cabin height
4 ft 0 in  ·  1.23 m
Cabin length
10 ft 6 in  ·  3.20 m
Exterior length
34 ft 11 in  ·  10.65 m
Tail height
12 ft 4 in  ·  3.76 m
Fuselage diameter
4 ft 5 in  ·  1.35 m
Wing span
41 ft 9 in  ·  12.72 m
Baggage volume
11 ft³  ·  0.3 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
5,000 lb  ·  2,250 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
850 lb  ·  400 kg
Fuel capacity
90 gal · 300 L · 200 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
130 kt  ·  150 mph  ·  241 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
62 kt  ·  71 mph  ·  115 km/h
Range
460 nm  ·  530 mi  ·  850 km
Fuel burn
5.11 nm/gal  ·  2.50 km/L
Ceiling
16,400 ft  ·  5,000 m
Rate of climb
12 ft/min  ·  0 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,120 ft  ·  340 m
Landing distance
1,510 ft  ·  460 m
(/) tap to zoom
(/)
Beriev Be-103 (RA-01855) in flight over Gelendzhik

Live fleet activity details

📡
Fetching live data…
All Active Aircraft Types
Flight Airline Reg Alt Speed Heading V/S

Operational Context

Sukhoi/Beriev Be-103 Snipe — light amphibious twin-engine aircraft

The Be-103 first flew in 1997 as a small amphibious transport intended for domestic and export markets. Developed by the Beriev Design Bureau with Sukhoi involvement in marketing and production support, the aircraft was designed for short regional routes in areas with limited infrastructure. Its boat-shaped fuselage and high-mounted wing allow operations from lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.

Powered by two Continental IO-360 piston engines producing approximately 210 horsepower each, the Be-103 cruises at around 150 knots (280 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 7,700 pounds (3,500 kg). The cabin typically accommodates up to six passengers, with a range of approximately 540 nautical miles (1,000 km) depending on configuration.

The Be-103 received certification in Russia and limited international approvals, including in the United States. Production numbers remained modest due to market conditions and competition. Nevertheless, the aircraft stands as one of the few modern light amphibians developed in the post-Soviet era.