Beriev LL-143 / Be-6

Development of a large maritime reconnaissance and bombing flying-boat was initiated by the Beriev design bureau in 1943, and the Beriev LL-143 prototype flew for the first time on 6 September 1945. An all-metal high-wing monoplane, it was powered by two 1492kW Shvetsov ASh-72 radial engines. Armament comprised twin NS-23 23mm cannon in a tail turret (behind the twin fins and rudders) and similar provision in a remotely controlled dorsal barbette. A single NS-23 cannon was installed in the bow turret.

The LL-143 was developed into the Beriev Be-6 production aircraft, the first example of which was flown by M. I. Tsepilov in 1949. It differed from the prototype by having more sophisticated equipment, which included a retractable radome aft of the second step, and a redesigned nose without cannon armament. At a later stage the tail gun position was replaced by MAD (magnetic anomaly detection) equipment. The Be-6, to which NATO allocated the code-name 'Madge', carried a heavy offensive load comprising various combinations of mines, depth charges or torpedoes on underwing pylons outboard of the engines.

Be-6s operated patrol, maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine duties until the early 1970s, and a few remained in service on transport or fishery patrol duties into the late 1970s.

LL-143
Take-off weight: 21300 kg / 46959 lb
Empty weight: 15110 kg / 33312 lb
Wingspan: 33.0 m / 108 ft 3 in
Length: 23.0 m / 75 ft 6 in
Height: 7.5 m / 24 ft 7 in
Wing area: 120.0 sqm / 1291.67 sq ft
Max. speed: 371 km/h / 231 mph
Ceiling: 6000 m / 19700 ft
Range: 5100 km / 3169 miles

Be-6
Engine : 2 x ASh-73TK, 1765kW, 2300 hp
Take-off weight; 23400 kg / 51588 lb
Empty weight: 18827 kg / 41507 lb
Wingspan: 33.0 m / 108 ft 3 in
Length: 23.7 m / 77 ft 9 in
Height: 7.6 m / 24 ft 11 in
Wing area: 120.0 sqm / 1291.67 sq ft
Max. speed: 400 km/h / 249 mph
Range: 4900 km / 3045 miles
Crew: 8
Armament: 4 x 23mm machine-guns

Beriev LL-143

Beriev Be-6