- Yes
- No
Background
Spoiler
The MBR-2M-103 was an attempt to equip the MBR-2AM-34 with the more powerful M-103 engine.
The test results indicate that the MBR-2M-103 exhibits superior performance compared to the standard MBR-2, particularly in terms of maximum speed, rate of climb, ceiling, and several other parameters. It was observed that the operational characteristics of the MBR-2-M-103 are largely similar to those of the MBR-2-AM-34, and it does not necessitate new equipment for hydro aerodromes. While the flying characteristics of the aircraft remained relatively unchanged, testers noted that it required increased attention during control, particularly during takeoff, turns, gliding, and maneuvers. The seaworthiness of the MBR-2-M-103 also remained consistent. Furthermore, the launch process for the M-103 proved to be significantly easier than that of the AM-34NB, especially in lower temperature conditions.
Despite some challenges, the report highlighted that “the bottleneck in the testing process was oil cooling.” There was a recommendation to enhance the protection of the gasoline and oil tanks, implement emergency fuel drainage capabilities during flight, and enable the pilot to start the engine independently, without reliance on a flight technician or gunner-radio operator. The military emphasized that aimed fire from the front shooting position is feasible only at speeds up to 210 km/h; beyond this threshold, the intense high-speed pressure “dislodges the shooter from the weapon, rendering accurate shooting impossible.” Consequently, at maximum speeds, the seaplane is vulnerable in the frontal sector.
The military’s conclusions derived from the test results were twofold. Firstly, there were favorable elements linked to the installation of a more robust engine, particularly for the MBR-2VU. Conversely, it was noted that these improvements were insufficient and came too late. The conclusion stated: “The MBR-2M-103 aircraft does not adequately fulfill the contemporary requirements for a short-range reconnaissance aircraft and a light bomber in terms of maximum speeds, thus it cannot be recommended for production. The existing aircraft at plant No. 31, along with those still operational within the combat units of the Russian Navy, should be retrofitted with M-103 engines, prioritizing the MBR-2VU aircraft.”
The second recommendation was never realized, as the primary resources of the Design Bureau were redirected towards the development of the Be-4 shipborne reconnaissance aircraft, leading to the eventual cessation of MBR-2 production. The subsequent relocation of the Beriev Design Bureau to plant No. 288 in Savelovo, near Moscow, coupled with the onset of war, ultimately terminated the plans for the MBR-2 modernization.
Technical Data
Specifications
Crew - 4
Length - 13.5 m
Height - 5 m
Wingspan - 19 m
Empty Weight - ~3,300 kg
Gross Weight - ~4,500 kg
Powerplant - 1 x Klimov M-103A Piston Engine (745 kW)
Max speed - 295 km/h
Service Ceiling - 6,000 m
Armament
1 x 7.62mm ShKAS Machine Gun (Rear Turret)
1 x 7.62mm PV-1 Machine Gun (Forward Turret)
Up to 500 kg of Bombs (overload) 300 kg (normal load)
Images
Spoiler
Sources
Spoiler
(Book) The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875-1995.
Aviation in Taganrog - MBR-2 seaplane with M-103 engine (taganrog-avia.ru)
Naval short-range reconnaissance aircraft MBR-2. - Russian aviation (xn–80aafy5bs.xn–p1ai)