The Beriev Be-10 "Mallow" represents a unique chapter in aviation history as the only jet-powered flying boat to reach operational status. Designed by the Beriev Design Bureau (OKB-49) under the leadership of chief designer Georgy M. Beriev, the aircraft was developed in the early 1950s to serve as a high-speed maritime patrol bomber for Soviet Naval Aviation. The prototype was slated for testing in November 1955, with the first flights occurring in 1956.
Technically, the Be-10 was a bold departure from previous seaplane designs. It featured an all-metal construction with highly swept wings and pronounced anhedral, complemented by stabilizing tip-floats. To prevent water ingestion during takeoff and landing, its two Lyul’ka AL-7PB turbojet engines—produced by OKB-165—were mounted high in enlarged wing roots. This configuration allowed the Be-10 to achieve transonic performance, reaching a maximum speed of 912 km/h, a service ceiling of 12,000 meters, and a maximum range of 3,150 km. These capabilities enabled the aircraft to set 12 world records for seaplanes in the late 1950s and early 1960, spanning speed, altitude, and payload categories.
Production took place at the Beriev plant in Taganrog. While exact production numbers remain unverified, estimates range from as few as 14 aircraft (per a 1958 U.S. Martin company analysis) to approximately 28 units. The aircraft was designed for a crew of four, including a pilot, co-pilot, navigator/bombardier, and radio/radar operator. Its versatile payload capacity allowed for a normal bombload of 1,500 kg, which could be increased to 3,300 kg. Armament options included up to 20 100 kg bombs, BRAB-1500 bombs, RAT-52 torpedoes, and various naval mines (AMD-2M and PMI-500M).
Despite its technical achievements, the Be-10 had a short operational lifespan. The stresses of high-speed water operations led to severe metal fatigue and structural failure, while saltwater exposure caused significant corrosion. Consequently, Soviet Naval Aviation withdrew the type by 1968, replacing it with the turboprop-powered Beriev Be-12 "Mail." All produced Be-10 aircraft were eventually scrapped, and no examples are known to survive in museums today.