Mail in the skies above in the Baltic Sea
BE-12, Mail
A turboprop-engined amphibian. 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.
| Type: | Be-12 |
| Function: | ASW |
| Year: | 1961 |
| Crew: | 5-6 |
| Engines: | 2 * 4190hp Ivchenko AI-20D |
| Wing Span: | 29.71m |
| Length: | 30.17m |
| Height: | 7.00m |
| Wing Area: | 105.00m2 |
| Empty Weight: | 21700kg |
| Max. Weight: | 31000kg |
| Speed: | 608km/h |
| Ceiling: | 11280m |
| Range: | 7500km |
| Armament: | 3000kg |
(source: Military Aircraft Database)