Beriev Be-10

Beriev · Soviet Union · first flew 1956 · bomber

The Beriev Be-10 was a Soviet twin-jet flying boat designed for maritime patrol and bombing, representing the peak of Soviet jet-powered flying boat development. Its swept wings and T-tail gave it a modern appearance, and it set multiple FAI seaplane records in 1961.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, swept
E — Engines2 × turbojet, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage31.45 m fuselage
T — TailT-tail

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Spot it by:

A large swept-wing flying boat with engines in nacelles mounted at the wing roots above the waterline to avoid spray ingestion, a distinctive T-tail, and a boat hull without wing-tip floats. The swept wing and jet configuration distinguish it from piston-engine flying boats.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flying in 1956, the Be-10 entered Soviet Naval Aviation service in small numbers, with approximately 27 built. It set 12 world records for seaplanes in August 1961, including a speed record of over 900 km/h. However, the type proved difficult to operate and maintain in naval conditions, and it was withdrawn from service relatively quickly as land-based maritime patrol aircraft proved more practical.

Variants

No significant production variants; 27 production aircraft to a single standard.

Where you'll see it

Operated by Soviet Naval Aviation from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s; assigned NATO reporting name 'Mallow'.

Related aircraft

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