The Beriev Be-12 was a successor to theBeriev Be-6flying boat, whose primary roles were as an anti-submarine and maritimepatrol bomberaircraft. Though tracing its origins to the Be-6, the Be-12 inherited little more than thegull wing andtwin oval tailfin configuration of the older aircraft. The Be-12 has turboprop engines, which gave it an improved speed and range over the Be-6.[2] The Be-12 also had retractable landing gear, which enabled it to land on normal land runways, as well as water.
The Be-12 was first flown on October 18,1960, atTaganrog airfield, and made its first[2] public appearance at the 1961Soviet Aviation Day festivities atTushino airfield. A total of 150 aircraft were produced, in several variations, with production ending in 1973.
The Be-12 entered service withSoviet Naval Aviation, or AV-MF (Aviatcia Voenno-Morskogo Flota), in the early 1960s in the maritime patrol role, and is one of the few amphibious aircraft still in military service in the world. Initially its role was ASW patrol, but when newer missiles enabledUnited States Navy submarines to launch from further offshore it was converted to the search and rescue role (Be-12PS). A few are still in service.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, some aircraft were converted towater bombers for the suppression of forest fires. During development of theBeriev Be-200, unique fire-fighting equipment was tested using a specially modified Be-12P, code-named "12 Yellow". After installation of the fire-fighting system, the aircraft was registered as RA-00046 and given the designation Be-12P-200. This modified Be-12 was also used to trial firefighting operations envisaged for the Be-200.[3]
On 21 September 2025, theUkrainian HUR claimed that it had destroyed Russian Be-12 Chayka amphibious aircraft for the first time, attacking two in Crimea.[7][8] The serviceability of the craft targeted is unclear with one of them appearing to be missing its propellers.[6]
Russia has been using Be-12 in combat on the Black Sea during the Russian Invasion of Ukraine.[9][10]
Be-12 during take-off on waterBe-12P-200 technology demonstrator
Be-12
Twin-engined maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare flying-boat. 2 prototypes and 130 production airframes built.
Be-12EKO
Projected ecological reconnaissance version. Not built.
Be-12I
Projected scientific research version designed in 1991. Not built.
Be-12LL
Conversion for testing the 3M-80 'Moskit' anti-shipping missile. Nose radar replaced with missile seeker head. One aircraft converted in 1980.
Be-12N
ASW version fitted with new sensors, avionics,MAD sensor and Nartsiss search/attack system. 27 aircraft converted.
Be-12Nkh
Utility transport, experimental passenger transport version. Military equipment removed, additional windows fitted. 2 built, both converted from Be-12.
Be-12P
Firefighting version. One 4,500 L tank and two 750 L tanks installed. Four aircraft converted in 1992.
Be-12P-200
Technology demonstrator for theBeriev Be-200. Fire-fighting configuration. One aircraft converted.[3]
Be-12PS
Maritime Search and rescue version. Life rafts and survival equipment carried. 6 crew. 10 built new, 4 converted from Be-12.
Be-12SK
One aircraft converted in 1961 for use in SK-1 nucleardepth charge tests.
Be-14
All weather, day/night SAR version. Additional SAR and medical equipment. 6 crew. AI-20D engines. One built.
M-12
Stripped-down Be-12 used for record-setting flights. 2 Crew. Later returned to standard configuration.
Egyptian Air Force – operated two or three Be-12s circa 1970, crewed by Soviet personnel, to maintain surveillance on the United States Navy's 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean.[13]
.jpg)
