https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beriev_A-40
The Beriev A-40 Albatros (also Be-42, NATO reporting name: Mermaid) was a jet
engine powered amphibious flying boat designed by the Beriev Aircraft Company
for the anti-submarine warfare role. Intended as a replacement for the Beriev
Be-12 amphibian and the land-based Ilyushin Il-38, the project was suspended
after only one prototype had been manufactured, with second 70% completed, due
to the breakup of the Soviet Union. The project was later revived and an order
has been placed by the Russian Navy.
The maiden flight was unplanned; during a high-speed taxi test, the airplane
became airborne and ran out of runway, with the crew being forced to continue
the takeoff. The subsequent flight and landing went without further incident,
but the test crew were downgraded from their duties afterwards, despite having
saved the aircraft.
On 5 September 2008 the deputy commander of Russian Naval Aviation, Maj.Gen.
Nikolai Kuklev, announced that the A-42 is to be adopted as a main SAR and
anti-submarine aircraft of the Russian Navy, and a provisional contract for four
SAR-outfitted aircraft has been awarded to the company, with deliveries to start
in 2010. All four aircraft were expected to be in service by 2013. A contract to
replace the aging fleet of Be-12 and Il-38 aircraft is under consideration.
The A-40 was a jet-engined flying boat patrol bomber of all-metal construction
with the engines located above the wing roots, atop each of the main landing
gear nacelles at the rear of each wing root. The swept wings had a marked
anhedral angle, with balance floats attached by short pylons directly under each
wingtip.
Role
ASW amphibian
Manufacturer
Beriev
First flight
8 December 1986
Status
Ordered into production
Primary user
Russian Naval Aviation
Number built
2
Developed into
Beriev Be-200
Between 1989 and 1998, the Beriev A-40 set 140 world records.
Specifications (A-40)
General characteristics
Crew: 8
Length: 43.84 m (143 ft 10in)
Wingspan: 41.62 m (136 ft 6 in)
Height: 11 m (36 ft 1 in)
Wing area: 200 sq m (2,153 sq ft)
Max. takeoff weight: 86,000 kg (189,630 lb)
Takeoff boosters: 2x Kolesov RD36-35 turbojets, 23 kN (5,180 lbf) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 800 km/h (497 mph)
Range: 4,100 km (2,212 nmi, 2,547 mi) with maximum payload
Service ceiling: 9,700 m (31,825 ft)
Rate of climb: 30 m/s (5,900 ft/min)
Takeoff distance (Land): 1,000 m (3,280 ft)
Takeoff distance (Water): 2,000 m (6,560 ft)
Landing distance (Land): 700 m (2,300 ft)
Landing distance (Water): 900 m (2,950 ft)
Maximum wave height: 2 m (6.5 ft)
Armament
Projected Armament:
(A-40P ASW Aircraft, internal bomb bay) Sonobuoys, depth charges, mines, plus;
3 Orlan (Sea Eagle) torpedoes, or
6 Korshun (Kite) guided missiles
(A-40P ASW Aircraft, underwing pylons) Kh-35 Anti-ship missiles
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