Beriev Be-4
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1934 |
| Headquarters | Taganrog , Soviet Union |
| Products | Aircraft, including the Be-4 reconnaissance flying boat |
The Beriev Be-4, initially known as the KOR-2, was a reconnaissance flying boat developed for deployment from Soviet warships during the period of World War II.
Design and development
In 1939, Beriev received the assignment to design an improved replacement for the troublesome KOR-1. The prototype KOR-2 took its maiden flight on 21 October 1940 at the Beriev manufacturing facility located in Taganrog. This aircraft utilized a parasol-wing monoplane configuration, featuring an inverted-gull wing and was powered by a sizable radial engine housed in a nacelle positioned above the fuselage.
Flight testing proceeded until January 1941, at which point production was authorized near Moscow under the designation Be-4. The onset of World War II limited output to just two planes before the factory was relocated first to Omsk and subsequently to Krasnoyarsk. Manufacturing recommenced in May 1943 and continued through 1945, resulting in roughly 47 units produced.
Operational history
Commissioned into service with the Russian Black Sea Fleet in 1942, the Be-4 fulfilled roles including coastal reconnaissance, anti-submarine operations, and transport duties. It was deployed aboard cruisers such as Maxim Gorki and Kirov.
Operators
References
- Taylor, Michael J. H. Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. Studio Editions, London, 1989, p. 153.
- World Aircraft Information Files. Bright Star Publishing, London, File 890 Sheet 26.
External links
- Beriev KOR 2 Be 4 at Century of Flight
- Be-4, KOR-2 by G.M.Beriev at Russian Aviation Museum