50 Strangest Aircraft Ever Made

Beriev Be-200 Seaplane

doc8643.com

This Russian behemoth is an incredibly versatile amphibious aircraft (1998). Whether used for search and rescue, maritime patrol, cargo or passenger hauling, the Beriev can take off and land from even fairly rough seas with up to 72 passengers. Where it really shines though is when serving as a fire-fighting water tanker. They can swoop down and scoop up 12 tons of water, all while flying at 90% of regular flight speed.