Beriev R-1

Last updated
R-1
Beriev R-1.jpg
RoleExperimental flying boat
National origin Soviet Union
Manufacturer Beriev
First flight30 May 1952
Statusscrapped
Number built1

The Beriev R-1 (known in-house as 'product R') [1] was the first Soviet turbojet-powered flying boat.

Contents

Design and development

At the end of World War II, design work began on a request from the Soviet Navy for a jet-powered flying boat. Starting with the wing design of the Be-6, Beriev began in-house design work in May 1947, even before the official specifications were issued in June 1948. The specifications called for a radar-equipped aircraft with a three-man crew, capable of a speed of 800 km/h, and with a range of 2000-2500 kilometers. The aircraft was to be armed with 2,000 kg of bombs and four 20 mm cannons.

Beriev completed a mock-up by 10 June 1950, using Klimov VK-1 engines instead of the originally planned Rolls-Royce Nene engines. The first prototype was completed in November 1951. However, the prototype experienced severe vibrations and hydrodynamic instability at 165 km/h and was nearly destroyed in testing. After much modification, flight testing began at the end of 1951. The prototype crash landed on 3 October 1953 and was again repaired.

Extensive testing continued to 1956, however, the development of land-based long-range reconnaissance aircraft put the project into jeopardy. After another crash in February 1956, the R-1 was never repaired and subsequently scrapped. [2] The R designation is believed to have stood for Reaktivnyy (jet-propelled). [1] Experience gained during the test programme with the R-1 was used in the development of the Beriev Be-10. [3]

Specifications (R-1)

Data from Beriev's Jet Flying Boats [4]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Related development

Related lists

References

Notes

  1. 1 2 Gordon, Sal'nikov and Zablotskiy 2006, p. 5.
  2. Gordon, Sal'nikov and Zablotskiy 2006, p. 11.
  3. Gordon, Sal'nikov and Zablotskiy 2006, p. 21.
  4. Gordon, Sal'nikov and Zablotskiy 2006, pp. 5-20.
  5. Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.

Bibliography

  • Yefim Gordon, Andrey Sal'nikov and Aleksandr Zablotskiy (2006) Beriev's Jet Flying Boats. Hinckley, UK: Midland Publishing. ISBN   1-85780-236-5