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Be-12 Tchaïka Mail vs S-3 Viking

Be-12 Tchaïka Mail vs S-3 Viking at a glance — top speed 530 vs 815 km/h, range 1,500 vs 5,121 km, max takeoff weight 36,000 vs 23,831 kg, built 150 vs 188 units.

Beriev Be-12 Tchaïka Mail military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Be-12 Tchaïka Mail
Lockheed S-3 Viking military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-3 Viking
Specifications
Be-12 Tchaïka Mail S-3 Viking
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Lockheed
First flight 18 October 1960 21 January 1972
Year introduced 1960 1974
Number produced 150 units 188 units
Average unit price $10 million $27 million
Wing area -- m² 56.0 m²
Wingspan 29.8 m 21.0 m
Height 9.1 m 7.0 m
Length 26.5 m 16.3 m
Maximum speed 530 km/h 815 km/h
Operational range 1,500 km 5,121 km
Service ceiling 8,000 m 12,466 m
Max. takeoff weight 36,000 kg 23,831 kg
Empty weight 25,500 kg 12,057 kg
Total thrust 2 x 3,810 kW 2 x 4,207 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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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.