One of a kind: The Russian navy jet that can touch down on land as well as water

Italian Typhoons recently intercepted an extremely rare Russian visitor, the Beriev Be-200 Altair, the only amphibious jet aircraft currently in service and production anywhere in the world.

It was detected approaching the Baltic Sea in January and intercepted as part of Nato air policing operations based at the Omari Air Base in Estonia.

It's unclear what mission it was on, but there are clues once you examine its special capabilities.

• Typhoons make sandy terrain their domain as RAF tests combat readiness in Saudi Arabia
• Helicopter emergency? Russian helis have an ejection seat – find out why RAF ones don't
• Thanks a million! Typhoons hit milestone number of flying hours across the globe

A jet with many uses

This aircraft belongs to the Russian navy and is thought to be one of only three ordered by the service, but it's an aircraft with many uses.

Unlike some amphibious aircraft, its retractable landing gear allows it to operate from both land and water.

It can operate as a waterbomber, being able to scoop up 12 tonnes of water in specially fitted tanks and drop it onto a forest fire or a more military-themed target, such as a burning ship during a rescue mission.

But firefighting isn't its only use, as the Russian navy also uses it for search and rescue, maritime patrol, submarine warfare and cargo transportation, as well as transporting personnel, with the capacity to carry up to 72 people on board.