Beriev Be-1

The Beriev Be-1 represented an experimental wing-in-ground-effect vehicle created in the Soviet Union during the 1960s, aimed at investigating stability and control within this novel class of aircraft.

Design and development

In 1956, Robert Ludvigovich Bartini introduced a wing-in-ground-effect concept to the Beriev design team. The Be-1 prototype that emerged incorporated two floats connected by low aspect ratio wing sections, complemented by small conventional wings extending beyond the floats. To improve water performance, surface-piercing hydrofoils were installed beneath the floats. The aircraft was powered by a single Tumansky RU-19 turbojet engine positioned above the wing and was equipped with landing gear to increase operational flexibility. Active from 1961 until 1964, the Be-1 completed its inaugural waterborne flight in 1964, representing a significant advancement in WIG vehicle development.