- Yes
- No
Background
Spoiler
The Second World War clearly demonstrated the urgent need for heavy seaplanes in the fleet’s aviation. The American Catalina, delivered through lend-lease, partially addressed this need. However, the supply of PBYs did not fully solve the problem, highlighting the necessity for a domestic aircraft of this class. In August 1942, G.M. Beriev submitted a proposal to the NAP for a heavy twin-engine flying boat weighing up to 22,000 kg. This aircraft would feature a “seagull” wing, a two-keel tail, long range, and powerful weaponry. G.M. Beriev’s proposal was reviewed, approved, and authorized for development and construction by A.I. Shakhurin.
Since there were no suitable production facilities in Omsk, the OKB G.M. Beriev was relocated to plant number 477 in Krasnoyarsk by order of the NKAP on May 5, 1943. The construction of the first prototype LL-143 began on April 14, 1944, followed by the second prototype. The maiden flight of the LL-143 took place on September 6, 1945.
During the final phase of testing, I.V. Stalin issued an order on February 9, 1946, and the Council of Ministers of the USSR passed Resolution No. 1289-527s on June 21, 1946, transforming the OKB into State Union Experimental Plant No. 49 of the naval aircraft industry. This new enterprise became the sole design team in the country responsible for designing and constructing seaplanes.
On July 22, 1946, during the flight and aerobatic evaluation of the flying boat, pilots noted its simplicity in piloting technique, making it accessible to an average pilot. They also praised its maneuverability, seaworthiness, easier takeoff and landing, and ability to maintain the specified flight mode, reducing the need for constant rudder adjustments during long flights.
The testing of the first LL-143 was deemed successful, with all requirements of the specifications fulfilled. However, both the designers and the military recognized the need for further improvements to the aircraft.
Both Prototypes were likely converted to Be-6’s
Technical Data
Specifications
Crew - 8
Length - 23 m
Height - 7.2 m
Wingspan - 33 m
Empty Weight - 15,104 kg
Gross Weight - 21,300 kg
Powerplant - 2 x Shvetsov AHs-72 Radial Engines (1,655 kW each)
Max Speed - 371 km/h (Sea Level) 401 km/h (At 4,300 m)
Landing Speed - 140 km/h
21.5 Minutes to 5,000 m
Range - 2,800 km Normal
Armament
1 x 12.7mm UBT Machine Gun in Nose Turret.
2 x 12.7mm UBT Machine Guns in Beam Turrets.
1 x 12.7mm UBT Machine Gun in Dorsal Turret.
1 x 12.7mm UBT Machine Gun in Ventral Turret.
1 x 12.7mm UBT Machine Gun in Tail Turret.
2 x 45-36MAN Torpedoes
2 x FAB-1500
8 x FAB-500
8 x FAB-250
8 x Mines
Up to 4000 kg Bombload.
Images
Spoiler
Sources
Spoiler
(Book) The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875-1995. (Pg 50)
