Main Menu

Soviet Beriev MBR-2 flying boat¹

Design

The Beriev MBR-2 was the military version of the Beriev Be-2.¹ They were used in civilian and military roles.¹

The MBR-2 was built with metal wings and a wooden hull.¹

Then engine was mounted on pylons above the fuselage.¹ It was a pusher engine.¹

Under the wings were outrigger floats.¹

Prototype

The MBR-2 prototype first flew in 1931 and had a BMW VIZ engine (500 HP).¹

Production

>1,500 MBR-2s were built.¹ They were built from the early 1930s to 1941.¹

Variants

• Be-2: Civilian version.¹ Could carry eight passengers.¹ These were operated by Aeroflot.¹
• MBR-2: Military version.¹ The cockpit was open.¹ It also could have a ski undercarriage or fixed wheels.¹
• MBR-2bis: Military version.¹ The cockpit was enclosed.¹ There was a dorsal turret added.¹ The vertical tail surfaces was increased.¹ There were mountings under the wings for bombs, mines, or depth charges.¹
• MP-1: Civilian transport.¹ Carry eight passengers.¹
• MP-1T: Civilian freight transport.¹ Based on MBR-2.¹
• MP-1bis: Based on the MBR-2bis.¹

Usage

The Soviet Union and Finland used the MBR-2 during World War II.¹ Finland had captured five MBR-2s in 1941.¹

The MBR-2's primary role was for coastal reconnaissance.¹ They were mostly stationed with the Soviet Northern and Black Sea fleets.¹

Sources:

1. Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998