Beriev Be-12PS "Chaika" – the USSR search and rescue aircraft

Beriev Be-12 "Chaika" (Russian: Seagull) - an anti-submarine defense seaplane-amphibian. In October 1960 its prototype took off for its first flight, and since 1963 it has been supplied to the Navy. It was designed by the Beriev Constructor Bureau and was intended to replace the still excellently serving, but already outdated Be-6. The amphibious aircraft is equipped with target detection equipment, allowing it to detect and engage enemy submarines. During its entire service life, these aircraft have achieved 46 world records. Be-12PS is a search and rescue version. When converting to this version, the bombing equipment and some other devices were removed from the aircraft, the cargo compartment was separated by a partition and places for the injured were installed in it, as well as sanitary-rescuer and medical equipment. The crew was increased by a medical worker. This version was tested in 1969 and since 1971 it has been produced in a small series at the Taganrog Aviation Plant. 10 aircraft were manufactured at Plant No. 86; two aircraft were converted to this version at the Beriev CB Testing Plant and two more were converted by military units at deployment sites. According to the decision of the AF and the Ministry of Aviation Industry No. 119, adopted in 1972 to test the possibilities of rescue operations during landings on the water in the open sea at night, from October 5 to December 12, 1972, experimental flights were carried out on the Be-12PS aircraft. The main pilot-tester was E. A. Lakhmostov, 13 flights and 29 takeoffs and landings in the open sea were made. The total flight time was 14 hours 29 minutes. The tests were carried out in 7-10 cloudiness, in conditions, when the cloud base reached from 300 to 1000 m, visibility - 4-10 km, wind speed - 4-8 m/ sec, sea waves - 0.3 - 0.4 m. For rescue after landing on the water, an inflatable boat LAS-5S with a motor, lifting equipment, designed to load victims through the hatch on the starboard side of the amphibian. In addition to the fixed lifting equipment, additional onboard drop equipment and front lighting lamps PRF-4 were also used for loading into the aircraft. Instead of the PRV-UM altimeter (small type), a new one was installed - RV-3M, and OMAB-8N maritime guidance bombs and SAB-100-90 illumination bombs were used in rescue missions. In 1992 Be-12 aircraft were removed from the armament lists, but their operation was extended until the end of their flight resource.

A large, very complex model with full internal equipment, landing gear, its niches and exterior detailing is a model only for medium-experienced and experienced modelers. The model is perfectly designed, richly detailed. There is a considerable color reserve, where necessary, double-sided printing was used. The textual instructions are not even a hint, but the graphic one is simply wonderful.