BERIEV BE-12 CHAYKA

Beriew Be-12 (in NATO code: Mail) is a Soviet flying boat designed for patrol tasks and ZOP (anti-submarine combat) activities in the high-wing configuration of the post-war period. The plane was flown in 1960 and its production continued in 1963-1973. Approximately 130 machines of this type were built in its course. The drive was provided by two turboprop engines Ivchenko AI-20D with 5,180 hp each. The length of the aircraft is 30.11 meters with a wingspan of 29.84 meters. The machine did not have permanent on-board armament, but it could load depth charges and torpedoes weighing up to 1,500 kilograms. The Beriew Be-12 aircraft was developed and put into service as a successor to the Be-6 flying boat, manufactured by the same manufacturer. Compared to its predecessor, the new machine had, above all, much better and more efficient engines, which positively influenced its performance. A more extensive wheeled landing gear has also been added, allowing you to operate (with some restrictions) also from classic airports. The extensive on-board armament was also abandoned. In the course of production, several development and prototype versions were created, including: Be-12P (fire-fighting and fire-fighting aircraft), Be-12PS (search and rescue version) or Be-12I (design of a machine intended for scientific research).