Be-40 Albatross Pic GalleryThe Beriev Be-40 Albatross, arguably the world's most advanced water-borne aircraft, is a twin-turbofan (2 x Aviadvigatel D-30KPVs plus twin boosters, Rybinsk/Novikov RD-38Ks) amphibian with an advanced hydrodynamic hull using complex W and V-shaped wedges and offering a range of over 3,100 statue miles. The program was launched in 1983, and the airplane made its first flight in December 1986. It carries a crew of eight and was announced as a search-and-rescue craft capable of landing in six-foot seas. Its publicly declared mission notwithstanding, it also has a sizable weapons bay capable of carrying anti-submarine ordnance. The swept wings (23°+) are equipped with complex, sophisticated high-lift devices such as LE slats and double-slotted flaps.

This product of the G.M.Beriev Taganrog Aviation Scientific-Engineering Complex was first revealed to the West by US reconnaisance photos in 1988 (and designated 'Mermaid' by NATO). The amphibious A-40 aircraft was officially displayed at the Tushino airshow in August 1989. The design was developed with a view to accessing remote areas in the east of the Soviet Union, transporting replacement maritime crews, anti-submarine operations, and SAR work.

Nation of Orgin: Soviet (Russia)
Function: SAR
Year: 1989
Crew: 8
Span : 41.62m (153.5ft)
Length : 43.8m (143.8ft)
Height : 11.0m (36.3ft)
Wing Area: 200m2
Empty Weight: 43900kg
Max.Weight: 86000kg (189595lb)
Engines: 2x 12025kgp (26,455lb static thrust) PERM Soliev D-30KPV turbofans
Speed: 760km/h (472mph / mach 0.79)
Ceiling: ?
Range: 5500km
Armament: anti-submarine weaponds

Back