Aviation of World War II

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MDR-5
Marine Long-range Recognaissance Aircraft
Beriev

MDR-5 was an all-metal twin-engine monoplane with engines on the leading edge of the wing. The plane was built in two copies at once - a flying boat and an amphibian on wheels. The middle part of the engine hoods was made in the form of flaps, and the lower ones in the open position served as footrests. On the wing beams, covered with fairings, bomb racks are installed with the possibility of hanging bombs in various combinations.

The first aircraft was ready in May 1938, however, due to the high landing speed on September 10, 1938, the first car was destroyed during landing and was not restored (the crew was not injured).

Factory tests were continued on the second version of the MDR-5. On January 19, 1939, the first flight took place, during which defects were found on the land landing gear. To improve seaworthiness on the wave, the bow of the boat was lengthened by 30 cm, the amphibious chassis was abolished, and the wheel niches were sealed.

Factory tests of MDR-5 in the naval version continued from May 14, 1939. The aircraft showed good flight data during tests, flew steadily on one engine and made evolutions. The efforts applied to the steering wheel and pedals were normal. The aircraft piloting technique required at least average qualifications from the pilot.

MDR56
Crew 5 4-5
Dimensions
Lenght, m 15.88 15.73
Height, m 4.30
Wing span, m 25.00 21.00
Wing area, m² 78.50 59.40
Weight, kg
Empty 6,083 4,100
Loaded weight 8,000 6,700
Gross weight 9,200 7,200
Powerplant
2 × PE M-87A M-63
Takeoff power, hp 2 × 950 2 × 1100
Performance
Maximum speed, km/h 345 360
Cruising speed, km/h 242 309
Service range, km 2415 2650
Rate of climb, m/min 278 335
Service ceiling, m 8,150 9,000
Armament
12.7 machine gun UB - 1
7.62 machine gun ShKAS, bombs, kg: 3 1
Bombs, kg: 1000 1000

The plane confirmed its good flight data, but in comparison with Chetverikov's flying boat, it lost to him in speed and practical flight range. In addition, the rate of climb also "limped" - the lack of power of the power plant affected. Therefore, in the competition for long-range sea reconnaissance projects, preference was given to the MDR-6 (Che-2) aircraft, developed by the team of the I.V. Chetverikov. This aircraft had higher flight performance and was put into mass production.

Photo Description

Drawing MDR-5 with M-87A

MDR-5

MDR-6A (front), MBR-6B-2 (3/4)

Bibliography

  • The history of aircraft designs in the USSR, before 1938 / V.B. Shavrov /
  • Aircraft TANTK them. G.M. Berieva / A.N. Zablotsky, A.I. Salnikov /
  • 75 years of TANTK them. G.M. Berieva / A.N. Zablotsky, A.I. Salnikov /