KOR-1 (KR-2, TsKBMS-3), G.M.Beriev (NATO 'Mote')

29k photo of the KOR-1, courtesy of Andrew I. Salnikov

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icense-built KR-1 flying boat turned obsolete in mid-30's, and in 1934 first records appear about next generation reconnaissater (designated KR-2). It was intended for catapult launch from 'Kirov' class cruisers. Ice-breaking fleet of the Polar seas also was interested.
KR-2 project was assigned to the Taganrog-based TsKBMS, lead by G.M.Beriev. On 22 November 1934 the VVS Command approved project of classic single-float biplane, designated KOR-1 (TsKBMS-3).
New aircraft had to fulfill following duties:
  • maritime reconnaissance;
  • artillery spotting;
  • dive bombing;
  • liaison;
  • air-to-air combat;
    • (32k) KOR-1 model; Roy Cochrun posted this photo in November 1996 on his Page;

    In 1935 Soviet Government ordered design of domestic catapults.
    Experimental TsKBMS-3 was flown 4 September 1936. It had a all-metal frame (steel tubes for fuselage, aluminum alloy profiles for the wings) with fabric skin on wings, fuselage and tail. Catapult 'hook' was installed. Dual controls (for pilot and gunner/observer) were installed. Wings could be folded backwards for storage goals. Aircraft carried also a photocamera and radio-equipment. Original engine cowling was similar to one of the I-16.
    Armament included two 7.62mm ShKAS on the upper wing and one defensiveShKAS for gunner/observer. In overload TsKBMS-3 could take two 100kg bombs.
    200k b/w drawing, courtesy of Andrew I. Salnikov

    Trials ended in 1936, outcome was from brilliant. Handling of the KOR-1 (designation for series aircraft) was a complicated task. Even without the main float, KOR-1 had 40% higher drag than similar in size land-based DI-6 2-seat fighter. Numerous design and manufacturing defects were revealed, most of them were cured already on series production stage. Land-based variant also was built and saw extensive service.
    Prior to installation of modern catapults on the ships KOR-1 was used for training purposes, on both float and wheels. Old K-3 type catapult also was suitable for KOR-2 launch.
    21k b/w photo, from article atVVS Rossii

    Aircraft entered production despite failed to fulfill project requirements - there were no alternative projects at the time (probably due to intensive political purges). It had better flight performance than the KR-1, while seaworthiness of single-float aircraft was behind one of the flying boat. Successful catapult design was ready (and deployed on modern cruisers) only in 1939. At the time engine cowling was redesigned to provide better engine cooling during taxi.
    On the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War KOR-1 was retired from the ships and was used only from the shore. On Baltic's they served as reconnaissaters and S.A.R. aircraft. On the Black Sea during Sevastopol Siege (31 October 1941 - 4 July 1942) KOR-1 served as light strike aircraft. It was used in land-based configuration. During this combat KOR-1 received designation Be-2.
    PredecessorsModifications
    - -
    ReferencesLinks
  • "History of aircraft construction in the USSR" by V.B.Shavrov, Vol.2 p.132-133;
  • M.Maslov 'Shipborn Reconnaissaters. Projects and reality.' - Wings over the Sea, special issue of Aviation-Historic magazine 'Mir Aviatsii', 1995, pp.3-4;
  • V.Kotelnikov. 'Floatplanes of the Second World War 1939-1945'. Addition to 'Mir Aviatsii', issue 10. Publishing House 'Aviatsia i Kosmonautika' 1996, p.24
  • Be-2 (in Russian)
  • Be-2, Beriev
  • KOR-1, Beriev
  • Be-2 (KOR-1) at Virtual Aircraft Museum
  • Beriev page with some history and aircraft data;
  • Beriev aircraft
    		• Technical data
    Type KOR-1
    Function reconnaissance
    Year 1936
    Crew 2
    Engines 1*635/700hp M-25
    Length 8.67m
    Height ?m
    Wingspan 11.0m
    Wing area 29.3m2
    Empty weight 1800kg
    Loaded weight (normal) 2486kg
    Loaded weight (overload) 2686kg
    Wing load 85(92)kg/m2
    Power load 3.6(3.8)kg/hp
    Speed at 0m 245km/h
    Speed at 2000m 277km/h
    Landing Speed 100km/h
    Landing Roll 16sec
    Takeoff Roll 250m 15sec
    Turn time 18sec
    Range 530(1000)km
    Flight Endurance 3hmin
    Ceiling 6600m
    Climb
    1000m 3.2min
    5000m 20min
    Payload
    Fuel 293kg
    Armament
    Guns 2+1*7.62mm ShKAS
    Bombs (overload) 2*100kg FAB-100
    Created November 25, 1996
    Modified June 16, 1999
    by Alexandre Savine    		 Back to
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