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A-40 Mermaid vs Be-12 Tchaïka Mail

Beriev A-40 Mermaid military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-40 Mermaid
Beriev Be-12 Tchaïka Mail military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Be-12 Tchaïka Mail
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Specifications
A-40 Mermaid Be-12 Tchaïka Mail
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Beriev
First flight 8 December 1986 18 October 1960
Year introduced -- 1960
Number produced 2 units 150 units
Average unit price -- $10 million
Wing area 200.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 41.6 m 29.8 m
Height 11.0 m 9.1 m
Length 43.8 m 26.5 m
Maximum speed 800 km/h 530 km/h
Operational range 4,100 km 1,500 km
Service ceiling 9,700 m 8,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 86,000 kg 36,000 kg
Empty weight -- kg 25,500 kg
Total thrust 2 x 117 kN 2 x 3,810 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-40 Mermaid and the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Beriev respectively.

Top speed is 800 km/h for the A-40 Mermaid vs 530 km/h for the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail. The A-40 Mermaid has an operational range of 4,100 km vs 1,500 km for the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail. The A-40 Mermaid operates at altitudes up to 9,700 m compared to 8,000 m for the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail. At 86,000 kg MTOW, the A-40 Mermaid is 2.4x the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 36,000 kg.

The A-40 Mermaid has been produced in 2 units vs 150 for the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail. The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail first flew 26 years before the A-40 Mermaid (1960 vs 1986).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-40 Mermaid or Be-12 Tchaïka Mail?
The A-40 Mermaid is faster with a maximum speed of 800 km/h compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 530 km/h, a difference of 270 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-40 Mermaid or Be-12 Tchaïka Mail?
The A-40 Mermaid has a longer range at 4,100 km compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 1,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-40 Mermaid or Be-12 Tchaïka Mail?
The A-40 Mermaid has a higher service ceiling at 9,700 meters (31,824 ft) compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 8,000 meters (26,246 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-40 Mermaid or Be-12 Tchaïka Mail?
The A-40 Mermaid has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 86,000 kg compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 36,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A-40 Mermaid or Be-12 Tchaïka Mail?
The A-40 Mermaid is longer at 43.8 meters compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 26.5 meters.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-40 Mermaid or Be-12 Tchaïka Mail?
The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail has been produced in greater numbers with 150 units compared to 2 units of the A-40 Mermaid.