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The Beriev Be-12 Chayka (“Seagull”, NATO reporting name: Mail) is a Soviet twin-turboprop-powered amphibious anti-submarine and maritime patrol aircraft.

The Beriev Be-12 is development of 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 concept of its gull wing and twin oval tailfins.

The Be-12 was first flown in October 1960 at Taganrog airfield.

The Be-12 entered service with Soviet Naval Aviation, or AV-MF (Aviatcia Voenno-Morskogo Flota), in the early 1960s in the maritime patrol role, and is one of the few amphibian aircraft still in military service in the world. Initially its role was ASW patrol, but when newer missiles enabled the United States Navy submarines to launch from further offshore, the Be-12 was converted to a search and rescue role (Be-12PS). Small numbers are still in service.

During development of the Beriev Be-200 unique fire-fighting equipment was tested using a specially modified Be-12P, coded ’12 Yellow’. After installation of the fire-fighting system, the aircraft was registered RA-00046 and given the designation Be-12P-200. This modified Be-12 was used to develop both the fire-fighting system and methods of operation for the Be-200.

According to figures released in 1993, the Russian Navy had 55 aircraft in service. By 2005 this had reduced to twelve,^[and by 2008 there were only 9 aircraft still in service.

Photo Source: Unknown, Information Source: WikiPedia

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