Beriev MBR-2

Beriev

Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1932
Founder	Georgy Mikhailovich Beriev
Headquarters	Taganrog , Soviet Union
Products	MBR-2 flying boat, MP-1 airliner

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The Beriev MBR-2 served as a versatile Soviet flying boat, primarily fulfilling reconnaissance duties, which was introduced to the Soviet Navy fleet in 1935. Of the total 1,365 units produced, nine were allocated to foreign operators, including Finland and North Korea. Within the USSR, it was colloquially referred to by nicknames such as "Kорова" (cow) and "Амбар" (barn).

Design

File:Советский морской ближний разведчик МБР-2 на якоре.jpg

MBR-2 of the Air Force of the Northern Fleet anchored in Kola Bay, 1942

Conceived by Georgy Mikhailovich Beriev, the MBR-2 completed its maiden flight in 1931, initially equipped with a foreign-made 373 kW (500 hp) BMW VI.Z engine. Production variants introduced in 1934 featured a domestically produced licensed engine, the Mikulin M-17, delivering 508 kW (680 hp), and were adaptable with either fixed wheels or skis for landing gear.

Beriev also developed a civilian airliner adaptation known as the MP-1, which began commercial operations in 1934, followed by a cargo variant introduced in 1936.

An enhanced model, the MBR-2bis, was launched in 1935 featuring the Mikulin AM-34N engine, an enclosed cockpit, a dorsal gun turret, and an enlarged vertical stabilizer. This upgraded design remained in production until 1941. Similarly to its predecessor, the bis version inspired a civilian counterpart, with the MP-1bis entering service in 1937.

Variants

• MBR-2M-17 : Maritime short-range reconnaissance and bombing flying boat powered by a 508 kW (680 hp) Mikulin M-17B piston engine.
• MBR-2AM-34 or MBR-2bis : Upgraded variant equipped with a Mikulin AM-34N powerplant.
• MBR-2M-103 : A single prototype fitted with a more powerful M-103 engine.
• MP-1 : Civilian adaptation of the MBR-2M-17 flying boat featuring an enclosed cabin accommodating six passengers.
• MP-1bis : Civil version derived from the MBR-2AM-34 model.
• MP-1T : Modified for freight transport based on the MBR-2.

Operators

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• The Finnish Air Force operated five captured examples starting in 1941.

Template:USSR

• Aeroflot
• Soviet Naval Aviation

Template:Country data North Korea

• North Korean Air Force

External links

• Beriev MBR-2 at aeroflight.co.uk
• Century of Flight
• Beriev MBR-2, TsKB-25 (project and prototype) Archived 2017-08-05 at the Wayback Machine at Russian Aviation Museum
• MBR-2 series with M-17 engine Archived 2016-09-23 at the Wayback Machine at Russian Aviation Museum
• Beriev MP-1, MP-1bis, MP-1T Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine (civilian variant) at Russian Aviation Museum