https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beriev_Be-12
The Beriev Be-12 Chayka ("Seagull", NATO reporting name: Mail) is a Soviet
turboprop-powered amphibious aircraft designed for anti-submarine and maritime
patrol duties.
The Beriev Be-12 was a successor to the Beriev Be-6 flying boat, whose primary
roles were as an anti-submarine and maritime patrol bomber aircraft. Though
tracing its origins to the Be-6, the Be-12 inherited little more than the gull
wing and twin oval tailfin configuration of the older aircraft. The Be-12 had
turboprop engines, which gave it an improved speed and range over the Be-6. The
Be-12 also had retractable landing gear, which enabled it to land on normal land
runways, as well as water.
The Be-12 was first flown on October 18, 1960 at Taganrog airfield, and made its
first public appearance at the 1961 Soviet Aviation Day festivities at Tushino
airfield. A total of 150 aircraft were produced, in several variations, with
production ending in 1973.
Role
Maritime patrol aircraft
Manufacturer
Beriev OKB
First flight
October 1960
Introduction
1960s
Status
Operational (in small numbers)
Primary user
Soviet Naval Aviation
Number built
143
Developed from
Beriev Be-6
The Be-12 entered service with Soviet Naval Aviation, or AV-MF (Aviatcia
Voenno-Morskogo Flota), in the early 1960s in the maritime patrol role, and is
one of the few amphibians still in military service in the world. Initially its
role was ASW patrol, but when newer missiles enabled United States Navy
submarines to launch from further offshore it was converted to the search and
rescue role (Be-12PS). Small numbers are still in service. After the dissolution
of the Soviet Union, some aircraft were converted to water bombers for the
suppression of forest fires. During development of the Beriev Be-200 unique
fire-fighting equipment was tested using a specially modified Be-12P, code-named
"12 Yellow". After installation of the fire-fighting system, the aircraft was
registered as RA-00046 and given the designation Be-12P-200. This modified Be-12
was also used to trial firefighting operations envisaged for the Be-200.
According to figures released in 1993, the Russian Navy had 55 aircraft in
service. By 2005 this had dropped to 12, and by 2008 there were only nine
aircraft still in service. A surviving Be-12 is preserved at the Central Air
Force Museum at Monino, outside of Moscow. Other examples exist at the Ukraine
State Aviation Museum at Kiev, Ukraine and that the Taganrog Air Museum, in
southern Russia.
Specifications (Be-12)
General characteristics
Crew: Four
Length: 30.11 m (98 ft 9 in)
Wingspan: 29.84 m (97 ft 11 in)
Height: 7.94 m (26 ft 1 in)
Empty weight: 24,000 kg (52,800 lb)
Loaded weight: 29,500 kg (64,900 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 36,000 kg (79,200 lb)
Performance
Maximum speed: 530 km/h (290 kn, 330 mph)
Range: 3,300 km (1,800 nmi, 2,100 mi)
Service ceiling: 8,000 m (26,247 ft)
Power/mass: 260 W/kg (0.16 hp/lb)
Armament
1,500 kg (3,300 lb) of external stores, including bombs, depth charges and
torpedoes
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