- Yes
- No
Background
Spoiler
The MBR-7 was a flying boat-monoplane powered by an M-103 engine and a three-bladed pusher propeller of variable pitch VISH-2PT (right, pushing). The aircraft’s design, similar to the MBR-2, was constructed entirely of wood, but unlike the angular “barn” shape, the new boat featured a sleek aerodynamic design. Its wing was of the “gull” type, two-spar, coffered design.
Armed with two ShKAS machine guns, the MBR-7 also had underwing bomb racks capable of carrying up to 400 kg of bombs. The crew consisted of a pilot and a navigator. The aircraft was equipped with a modern PNO, an AFA-27 camera, and an RSRM radio station.
The first MBR-7 began flight tests on April 9, but issues arose immediately upon landing, causing the aircraft to leap out of the water by 2-3 meters. Debugging the aircraft took until late autumn, concluding on October 16, 1939, after a series of corrective measures.
Despite the efforts, problems persisted. To continue testing, the decision was made to transfer the MBR-7 to Sevastopol. The flight was planned for October 26, but unfortunately, the aircraft never reached its destination. During takeoff in fresh weather, the plane veered off course and, failing to gain sufficient speed, flipped over and crashed into the water. Fortunately, the crew escaped unharmed, but the aircraft was irreparably damaged.
To address the issues identified during testing, a second MBR-7 was constructed and completed in the spring of 1940. This version featured adjustments, including a 0.2 m shift forward in the nose to improve alignment, a one-piece wing for weight reduction, and increased surface area for various components like flaps, vertical and horizontal empennage, rudders, and elevators.
On May 31st, 1940, the MBR-7 successfully completed its inaugural flight without encountering any significant issues. Over the course of 26 flights, the tests were concluded on June 24th. However, as the MBR-7 reached its final stage of development, the interest in the aircraft diminished. Consequently, a decision was made to focus on two types of seaplanes for the Soviet naval aviation: a long-range reconnaissance aircraft and a shipborne reconnaissance aircraft capable of performing close naval reconnaissance tasks simultaneously. The development of the KOR-2 seaplane was already underway, leading to the discontinuation of all efforts related to the MBR-7.
Technical Data
Specifications
Crew - 2
Length - 10.6 m
Height - (?)
Wingspan - 13 m
Empty Weight - 2,418 kg
Gross Weight - 3,168 kg
Max Takeoff Weight - 3,600 kg
Powerplant - 1 x Klimov M-103 Piston Engine (715 kW)
Max Speed - 310 km/h (Sea Level) 376 km/h (At ?)
Rate of Climb - 8.3 m/s
Service Ceiling - 8,500 m
Range - 1,215 km
Armament
1 x 7.62mm shKAS Machine Gun.
1 x 7.62mm shKAS Machine Gun in Dorsal Turret.
4 x FAB-100 + 2 x FAB-50
6 x FAB-50 (?)
Images
Spoiler
Sources
Spoiler
(Book) The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875-1995. (Pg 48-49)