The Be-12 was almost certainly operating out of the Crimean air base of Kacha, where most of the remaining Russian high-wing amphibian aircraft are based: according to most sources no more than 6 ...

Known to NATO as the "Mail", and to Russians as the "Chayka" (seagull), the Be-12 will continue to serve for some years yet as the fleet undergoes a life extension program to cover delays to the ...