1/144 Beriev A-40 Mermaid

Anigrand Craftswork - 1/144 Beriev A-40 Mermaid. Also includes Bonus kits of the Beriev R-1, Moskalyov SAM-29 and Kamov Ka-29 Helix-B. In 1976, after the success of the Be-12, the Beriev bureau began to research the feasibility of designing a next generation / jet-powered anti-submarine seaplane. The design drew the attention of Soviet Navy. In 1983, Soviet Government chief Designer Ak Konstantinov with the support of Navy, issued an order to Beriev to proceed with the programme, designated A-40 Albatros. The A-40 was conceived as a replacement for the venerable Be-12 and even to replace the Ilyushin Il-38 maritime patrol aircraft. Its mission profile called for performing reconnaissance and anti-submarine and shipping operations in medium range areas. Two prototypes were built. The first prototype took to the air in 1986. It was detected by U.S. intelligence in 1988 and designated Mermaid by NATO. The A-40 aircraft was publicly revealed at the Tushino airshow in August 1989. In 1995, Defense Ministry made a decision about freezing the scientific research and experimental design work on the A-40 and beginning the development of new antisubmarine aircraft. The A-40 began a slight transformation phase which culminated in 2002 with the delivered of the first A-42 version.