Rare type even in Russia and certainly in Soviet times. Doubtful that a highly secretive spy plane would be presented a gate guard on a pole until the type was out of service.

At the Irkutsk Aviation Repair Plant 403 factory airfield with a pool of rainwater to put this extraordinary amphibian in an appropriate setting. Named 'Stoyki' and one of four converted for forest fire fighting duties. Carries the Авиалесоохрана logo on the fuselage. Most of the type's production run of about 140 went to the Soviet Navy