History, Development, and Use
of the Beriev MBR-2 Seaplane

This section will cover the history, development, and use of the MBR-2 seaplane. In this section you will find where the aircraft has been used, when it was designed, its limitations and abilities, and how the weapon functions.

 

Brief Operational History

Seaplane development made considerable advances during the final decade of the Tsarist government, but then languished for many years following the Bolshevik Revolution as the Soviets struggled to rebuild their economy.  Little interest was paid to the need for seaplanes until the late 1920's when a requirement was issued for a reconnaissance aircraft capable of operating with coastal units along the Baltic and Black Sea.

This requirement was met by G. M. Beriev who designed a large single-engine aircraft known as the MBR-2 to accomplish the task.  It was a very modern design for its day and had the potential to be a highly versatile aircraft when it entered service.

The fuselage of the aircraft was made of wood rather than metal to reduce the corrosive effects of seawater.  It was also boat-shaped to make take-offs and landings easier.  Two small pontoons were mounted midway on each wing to give the aircraft more stability while on the water.  Powering the aircraft was a single 680 horsepower German BMW IV engine (later domestically manufactured and renamed the M-17B) which was mounted above the aircraft to protect it from ocean spray.

Armament consisted of two 7.62mm machine guns, one being mounted in an open position in the nose and the second in an open position behind the wing.  The rear position was later fitted with a manually operated turret to improve the weapon's firing arc.  Bomb racks capable of carrying up to 300 kilograms (661 pounds) of bombs or mines were mounted under the wings.

In 1931 a prototype of the MBR-2 made its first flight.  The aircraft proved to be very aerodynamic in flight despite its ungainly appearance.  Two years later the MBR-2 entered squadron service with the VVS-VMF (naval aviation) where it was used as a bomber, reconnaissance, and rescue aircraft.  A large number of MBR-2's were also used in the civilian transport industry where they flew domestic routes within the Soviet Union.

A civilian MBR-2 set a series of altitude records for its class in May 1937.  One record was for reaching an altitude of 29,080 feet (8864 meters) with no payload.  Several woman pilots also set records using the aircraft, one of which remained intact for 20 years.

As the years passed it became clear that the MBR-2 was falling behind the times.  Other seaplanes and flying boats were entering service around the world and the Soviets felt that they would have to develop a replacement aircraft in order to remain competitive.

That thinking changed in June 1941 when Operation Barbarossa began.  There was now no time to develop a replacement aircraft and the MBR-2 would simply have to be modernized.  This was accomplished by replacing the older M-17 engine with a more powerful AM-34N engine that produced 860 horsepower.  Extra fuel tanks were added which increased the aircraft's range to 870 miles (1400 kilometers).  The new version was designated the MBR-2bis and would serve until a suitable replacement could be found.  A large number of the earlier MBR-2's were also upgraded to the MBR-2bis standard. 

Both versions of the MBR-2 patrolled the skies over the Baltic, Black Sea, and along the northern Arctic coast.  Their main role was reconnaissance and rescuing Soviet pilots who had been shot down over water.  Some MBR-2's were even converted to land on skis or traditional wheeled landing gear.

The end of the war marked the end of the MBR-2 in military service as it was replaced by the more advanced MDR-6 seaplane.  Others were returned to civilian service where they continued to be used for several years.

    

Tactical Use and Limitations

The MBR-2 was the most widely used Soviet short-range maritime patrol aircraft of the war.  They were assigned to the VVS-VMF (naval air forces) as patrol and rescue aircraft, but occasionally participated in bombing and minelaying operations.

It was a very versatile aircraft that did its job well despite its age.  The main drawback of the aircraft was its weak defensive armament.  The two 7.62mm machine guns were simply not able to provide an adequate measure of defense for the aircraft even early in the war.

    

Deployment Chronology

Here you can see what aircraft the MBR-2 seaplane replaced and what aircraft eventually replaced it.  You can find out more about these vehicles if we have them on our site by clicking on the links below.

The MBR-2 replaced... MBR-2 Seaplane The MBR-2 was replaced by...
Uncertain at Present MDR-6 (Be-4)

 

Sources Cited

Here are some of the most informative sources that we have used in compiling this information for you.  We hope you can find them as useful as we have.