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Be-12 Tchaïka Mail vs Il-38 May

Ilyushin Il-38 May military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Il-38 May
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Specifications
Be-12 Tchaïka Mail Il-38 May
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Ilyushin
First flight 18 October 1960 27 September 1961
Year introduced 1960 1967
Number produced 150 units 58 units
Average unit price $10 million --
Wing area -- m² 140.0 m²
Wingspan 29.8 m 37.4 m
Height 9.1 m 10.2 m
Length 26.5 m 40.1 m
Maximum speed 530 km/h 650 km/h
Operational range 1,500 km 7,500 km
Service ceiling 8,000 m 11,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 36,000 kg 66,000 kg
Empty weight 25,500 kg 34,630 kg
Total thrust 2 x 3,810 kW 4 x 3,126 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail and the Il-38 May are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Ilyushin respectively.

Top speed is 530 km/h for the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail vs 650 km/h for the Il-38 May. The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail has an operational range of 1,500 km vs 7,500 km for the Il-38 May. The Il-38 May operates at altitudes up to 11,000 m compared to 8,000 m for the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail.

The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail has been produced in 150 units vs 58 for the Il-38 May. The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail first flew 1 years before the Il-38 May (1960 vs 1961).

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 530 km/h, a difference of 120 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or Il-38 May?
The Il-38 May has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 1,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or Il-38 May?
The Il-38 May has a higher service ceiling at 11,000 meters (36,089 ft) compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 8,000 meters (26,246 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.