Russian version of the 415, screams Ruskie, but pretty cool lookin


Be-12 of the Russian Fireguard

That must be without a doubt, the ugliest machine to grace the sky!

By far the coolest taildragger I've ever seen.

the designer was drinking Vodka I guess..

Tabarnac! I'm surprised they can lug all that ugly around on just two engines.

Now THAT is an airplane!!! Hey Cat, lets go get us one of them!

gotta love that sut on the tail...

It's beautiful, simply beautiful.

Think TC would let us register one here Doc?

Laugh all you want guys, the Russians make some real tough aircraft....I got to fly the MI 8 in Africa and let me tell you that sucker was powerful and tough.

GODDAMN! Them Russians know how to build a plane!

What a sexy fuckin' bird!

Thank you, Idriveplane!

-istp

OMG, that is HOT.....whew, I am spent..

I too like the no bullshit look to it Kinda makes the 415 look like its made of tin foil.

More porn.









http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beriev_Be-12

Ooooooooo stop that. I am going to need some aloe if you keep that up.

Interesting, one of the first things I noticed in those pictures was that its tailwheel is retractable. I'd never heard of a retractable tailwheel before; how much drag reduction is really achieved vs. a locked tailwheel? Some quick googling revealed that a number of warbirds had them, but they were usually locked down in service because they were an endless maintenance headache. Did retractable tailwheels get figured out and become common post-war? Or is this another Russian thing?

Can you say drag --now think--water -- that is why

It is a flying boat just thing of what would happen to a tail-wheel of that size on a water take of or while scooping water. At 80 + Knots I would guess.

You will also note the Russians are not pussies and put a tail wheel on it?

Love it!

from: http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/types/russi ... /be-12.htm

Over the years, the Beriev Be-12 has gained a total of 44 FAI recognized world records for aircraft in its class - all the records possible! During the period October 23-27, 1964, a stripped down aircraft designated M-12 set six new climb to height records for Class C.3 Group II turboprop amphibians, including an altitude of 12,185 m (39,977 ft) without payload, and an altitude of 9,352 m (30,682 ft) with 10,000 kg (22,046 lb) payload. These were followed by various speed and payload records. A pure flying boat version, with landing gear deleted, has also established a number of records in Class C.2 Group II for turboprop flying boats, using the same M-12 designation.

The aircraft is highly regarded by crews, being highly reliable and very manoeuvrable, with powerful responsive engines. However, flying in it is a test of endurance, since the noise and vibration from the engines is particularly penetrating.

Beriev eventually abandoned certification plans in favour of the more capable Be-200 jet amphibian.

Looks like a great window seat up front too.

Yes yes yes yes....I need a smoke!

Lommer wrote:Interesting, one of the first things I noticed in those pictures was that its tailwheel is retractable. I'd never heard of a retractable tailwheel before; how much drag reduction is really achieved vs. a locked tailwheel? Some quick googling revealed that a number of warbirds had them, but they were usually locked down in service because they were an endless maintenance headache. Did retractable tailwheels get figured out and become common post-war? Or is this another Russian thing?

The C-46 I took a ride in last summer had a retractable tail wheel.

Lommer wrote:Interesting, one of the first things I noticed in those pictures was that its tailwheel is retractable. I'd never heard of a retractable tailwheel before; how much drag reduction is really achieved vs. a locked tailwheel? Some quick googling revealed that a number of warbirds had them, but they were usually locked down in service because they were an endless maintenance headache. Did retractable tailwheels get figured out and become common post-war? Or is this another Russian thing?

Even the Grumman Goose has a retractable tailwheel!!

So does the Piaggio Royal Gull.

Think TC would let us register (russian aircraft) here

hahahahahahahaahahahhohohohhohhohohohhhahahahahahahahaaaaa

Not bloody likely. Gotta protect domestic manufacturers
and operators.

Hedley wrote:So does the Piaggio Royal Gull.

Think TC would let us register (russian aircraft) here

hahahahahahahaahahahhohohohhohhohohohhhahahahahahahahaaaaa

Not bloody likely. Gotta protect domestic manufacturers
and operators.

As much as i agree with you from a commercial aspect, I'd bet my bottom dollar that you could get it certified by TC in the "Expirimental" category.... After all, dont we have some Yak's and a few AN-2's hanging around...

you could get it certified by TC in the "Expirimental" category

which of course means it can't ever be used for hire,
which again very neatly protects domestic manufacturers
and operators. TC isn't stupid - far from it.

You mean, we couldn't sell PPCs in it?