Be-12 Tchaïka Mail vs S-3 Viking

The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail and the S-3 Viking are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Lockheed respectively. Top speed is 530 km/h for the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail vs 815 km/h for the S-3 Viking. The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail has an operational range of 1,500 km vs 5,121 km for the S-3 Viking. The S-3 Viking operates at altitudes up to 12,466 m compared to 8,000 m for the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail. The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail has been produced in 150 units vs 188 for the S-3 Viking. Unit cost is $10M for the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail vs $27M for the S-3 Viking. The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail first flew 12 years before the S-3 Viking (1960 vs 1972).

Soviet amphibious aircraft, operational in Cold War era, mainly in anti-submarine and maritime patrol roles.
Beriev Be-12 Tchaïka Mail Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev
First flight 18 October 1960
Year introduced 1960
Number produced 150 units
Average unit price $10 million
American anti-submarine aircraft, operational during the Cold War, recognized for its service in Gulf War naval missions.
Lockheed S-3 Viking Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 21 January 1972
Year introduced 1974
Number produced 188 units
Average unit price $27 million
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 29.8 m
Height 9.1 m
Length 26.5 m
Maximum speed 530 km/h
Operational range 1,500 km
Service ceiling 8,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 36,000 kg
Empty weight 25,500 kg
Total thrust 2 x 3,810 kW
Wing area 56.0 m²
Wingspan 21.0 m
Height 7.0 m
Length 16.3 m
Maximum speed 815 km/h
Operational range 5,121 km
Service ceiling 12,466 m
Max. takeoff weight 23,831 kg
Empty weight 12,057 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,207 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking is faster with a maximum speed of 815 km/h compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 530 km/h, a difference of 285 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a longer range at 5,121 km compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 1,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a higher service ceiling at 12,466 meters (40,898 ft) compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 8,000 meters (26,246 ft).
Which is heavier, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or S-3 Viking?
The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 36,000 kg compared to the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg.
Which is larger, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or S-3 Viking?
The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail is longer at 26.5 meters compared to the S-3 Viking's 16.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking is more expensive at approximately $27 million per unit compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail at $10 million.
Which entered service first, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or S-3 Viking?
The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail entered service first in 1960, 14 years before the S-3 Viking which entered service in 1974.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has been produced in greater numbers with 188 units compared to 150 units of the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail.