The Beriev Be-12 Чайка (Chaika - "Seagull" NATO reporting name Mail) was Soviet a twin-turboprop-powered amphibious development of the Be-6 flying boat with primary roles of anti-submarine and maritime patrol aircraft.

Two Ivchenko AI-20M turboprops. Entered service with Soviet Navy in early 1960s in maritime patrol role.

The Be-12 is one of the last amphibians in military service. The Be-12 traces its origins back to the Be-6, but inherited little more than the concept of its gull wing and twin oval tailfins. Initially its role was ASW patrol, but when newer missiles enabled the USN submarines to stay further away from the coast, the Be-12 was converted to the Search & Rescue role (Be-12PS). Small numbers are still in service. The Be-12 is also operated by Vietnam, and for some years a number operated in Egyptian colors, but under Soviet control. The M-12 is AV-MF (Aviatcia Voenno-Morskogo Flota) designation. First flown in October 1960 at Taganrog airfield. Sold to Viet-Nam.

Variants

• Be-12PS - Search and rescue.
• Be-12P-200 - Firebuster.

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)
• Wing area: 99.0 m² (1,065 ft²)
• Empty: 24,000 kg (52,800 lb)
• Loaded: 29,500 kg (64,900 lb)
• Maximum takeoff: 36,000 kg (79,200 lb)
• Powerplant: 2x Progress AI-20 D, 3,864 kW (5,180 hp) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 530 km/h (330 mph)
• Range: 3,300 km (2,057 miles)
• Service ceiling: 8,000 m (26,240 ft)
• Rate of climb: m/min ( ft/min)
• Wing loading: 298 kg/m² (61 lb/ft²)
• Power/Mass: 0.26 kW/kg (0.16 hp/lb)

Armament

• 1,500 kg (1,320 lb) of external stores, including bombs and torpedos

References

• http://www.aviation.ru/Be/#12
• http://www.aviation.ru/jno/MACS01/

Related content

Related development:

Comparable aircraft:

Designation sequence: Be-6 - Be-8 - Be-10 - Be-12 - Be-14 - Be-30 - Be-32