Beriev Be-12 Tchaika "Mail" |
The amphibious two-engine Beriev Be-12 ('Mail' is the NATO denomination), has been for long time on duty with the Soviet Navy in the North Sea and in the Black Sea, for patrol purposes and anti-som warfare, along with SAR missions at some 370kms from land bases. The aircraft was developed as a replacement for the earlier piston powered Be-6, which first flew in 1949. The turboprop Be-12 meanwhile first flew during 1960, and was presented during 1961 Soviet Aviation Day Display at Tushino, Moscow. The Be-12 was of the same basic configuration as the smaller Be-6, with twin tails and a high cranked wing. Other Be-12 features include the powerful Ivchenko Al-20D turboprops.
Maybe 70 aircrafts of this type are still operating with Russian Navy. The name 'Tchaika' (seagull) come from the wing configuration, allowing engines and propellers to remain far from water surface minimizing the danger of corrosion. Also the long and narrow surfaces, on the side of the front are used as a protection from water during take off and sea landing. The body of the aircraft, that presents a great width/length ratio, is fitted with a weapon bay behind the step. Other weapons can be carried on 4 subwing pylons. A little front radome hosts a search radar, integrated with a rear mounted MAD. the crew is of five.
The prototype of Be-12 flew probably in 1960,and his duty in the naval aviation begun in 1965/66. A hundredth of these aircraft were built, none of wich has been exported. Only in the first 70's some Be-12 operated with Egyptians insignae. Beriev also developped a variant for water bombing, designated Be-12P.
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Characteristics
Type: Twin-engine amphibious for marine patrol, anti-som warfare and SAR
Weapons: torpedoes, bombs or deep charges.
Engines: 2 turboprops Ivchenko AI 20M (3124 kW (4246 CV equivalents))
Performances:nominal operating speed: 320 kmh, max 608 km/h; Ceiling
11280 m; range 7500 km
Weights:Max payload 10000 kg; max weight at take-off 31000 kg
Dimensions: Wings 29,71 m; total length 30,17 m; wing surface 205 mq
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