Beriev Be-12 – Photos & Video

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.

Source: Be-12 on Wiki

The Beriev Be-12 is a Soviet amphibious aircraft that was designed for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare missions. It first flew in 1960 and entered service with the Soviet Naval Aviation in the 1960s. The Be-12 has a distinctive gull wing and twin oval tailfin configuration, inherited from its predecessor, the Beriev Be-6 flying boat. The Be-12 is powered by two Ivtchenko AI-20D turboprop engines, which give it a cruising speed of 320 km/h and a range of 3,300 km.
The Be-12 can carry up to 5 tonnes of bombs or torpedoes in its internal bay, or various sensors and equipment for reconnaissance and search and rescue roles. The Be-12 also has retractable landing gear, which allows it to operate from land runways as well as water surfaces. The Be-12 was produced until 1973, with a total of 140 aircraft built. It is one of the few amphibians still in military service in the world, with a few remaining in the Russian Navy. Some Be-12s have also been converted to water bombers for firefighting purposes, or to transport aircraft for civilian use.