This project was developed by Beriev design bureau in early 1963. It was a long-range ASW amphibian flying boat able to operate from small aerodromes (back then conventional airports and military air bases were considered high-priority targets during a nuclear war) thanks to 16 (8 on each side) turbojet engines working during lift-off.
The main powerplant consisted of two turboprops of 15,000 HP each, located above the fuselage on pylons.
This aircraft had internal stores for 6.8 tons of torpedoes, depth charges, naval mines and sonobuoys but there was no defensive armament. It could be refueled in open sea from ships or submarines in order to extend the operational range.
Some specs:
Length: 44.5 m
Height: 11.75 m
Wingspan: 56.8 m
Wing area: 250 m2
Take-off weight: 100 tons
Cruise speed: 650 km/h
Landing speed: 140 km/h
Service ceiling: 13,000 m
Take-off length (land): 380 m
Take-off length (water): 400 m
Maximum range: 11,700 km
Range with payload of 3 tons: 10,600 km
Endurance: 17 hours
Crew: 7
