Be-12 Tchaïka Mail vs Il-38 May

Soviet amphibious aircraft, operational in Cold War era, mainly in anti-submarine and maritime patrol roles.
Picture of Be-12 Tchaïka Mail
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
Soviet maritime patrol aircraft, deployed during the Cold War, primarily used for anti-submarine and maritime surveillance operations.
Picture of Il-38 May
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Ilyushin
First flight 27 September 1961
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 58 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 29.8 m
Height 9.1 m
Length 26.5 m
Maximum speed -- 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
Profile drawing of Beriev Be-12 Tchaïka Mail
Wing area 140.0 m²
Wingspan 37.4 m
Height 10.2 m
Length 40.1 m
Maximum speed 650 km/h
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight 66,000 kg
Empty weight 34,630 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,126 kW
Profile drawing of Ilyushin Il-38 May

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of Be-12 Tchaïka Mail by Russian Ministry of Defence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or Il-38 May?
The Il-38 May is faster with a maximum speed of 650 km/h compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 0 km/h, a difference of 650 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or Il-38 May?
The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail has a longer range at 1,500 km compared to the Il-38 May's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or Il-38 May?
The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail has a higher service ceiling at 8,000 meters (26,246 ft) compared to the Il-38 May's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or Il-38 May?
The Il-38 May has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 66,000 kg compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 36,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or Il-38 May?
The Il-38 May is longer at 40.1 meters compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 26.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or Il-38 May?
The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail entered service first in 1960, 7 years before the Il-38 May which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or Il-38 May?
The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail has been produced in greater numbers with 150 units compared to 58 units of the Il-38 May.