KOR-1 (KR-2, TsKBMS-3), G.M.Beriev (NATO 'Mote')

License-built KR-1 flying boat turned obsolete in mid-30's, and in 1934 first records appear about next generation reconnaissater (designated KR-2). It was intended for catapult launch from 'Kirov' class cruisers. Ice-breaking fleet of the Polar seas also was interested.

KR-2 project was assigned to the Taganrog-based TsKBMS, lead by G.M.Beriev. On 22 November 1934 the VVS Command approved project of classic single-float biplane, designated KOR-1 (TsKBMS-3).

New aircraft had to fulfill following duties:

• maritime reconnaissance;
• artillery spotting;
• dive bombing;
• liaison;
• air-to-air combat;



In 1935 Soviet Government ordered design of domestic catapults.

Experimental TsKBMS-3 was flown 4 September 1936. It had a all-metal frame (steel tubes for fuselage, aluminum alloy profiles for the wings) with fabric skin on wings, fuselage and tail. Catapult 'hook' was installed. Dual controls (for pilot and gunner/observer) were installed. Wings could be folded backwards for storage goals. Aircraft carried also a photocamera and radio-equipment. Original engine cowling was similar to one of the I-16.

Armament included two 7.62mm ShKAS on the upper wing and one defensiveShKAS for gunner/observer. In overload TsKBMS-3 could take two 100kg bombs.

200k b/w drawing, courtesy of



Trials ended in 1936, outcome was far from brilliant. Handling of the KOR-1 (designation for series aircraft) was a complicated task. Even without the main float, KOR-1 had 40% higher drag than similar in size land-based DI-6 2-seat fighter. Numerous design and manufacturing defects were revealed, most of them were cured already on series production stage. Land-based variant also was built and saw extensive service.

Prior to installation of modern catapults on the ships KOR-1 was used for training purposes, on both float and wheels. Old K-3 type catapult also was suitable for KOR-2 launch.

21k b/w photo, from article atVVS Rossii



Aircraft entered production despite failed to fulfill project requirements - there were no alternative projects at the time (probably due to intensive political purges). It had better flight performance than the KR-1, while seaworthiness of single-float aircraft was behind one of the flying boat. Successful catapult design was ready (and deployed on modern cruisers) only in 1939. At the time engine cowling was redesigned to provide better engine cooling during taxi.

On the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War KOR-1 was retired from the ships and was used only from the shore. On Baltic's they served as reconnaissaters and S.A.R. aircraft. On the Black Sea during Sevastopol Siege (31 October 1941 - 4 July 1942) KOR-1 served as light strike aircraft. It was used in land-based configuration. During this combat KOR-1 received designation Be-2.

Predecessors	Modifications
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References	Links
"History of aircraft construction in the USSR", Vol.2 p.132-133; M.Maslov 'Shipborn Reconnaissaters. Projects and reality.' - Wings over the Sea, special issue of Aviation-Historic magazine 'Mir Aviatsii', 1995, pp.3-4; V.Kotelnikov. 'Floatplanes of the Second World War 1939-1945'. Addition to 'Mir Aviatsii', issue 10. Publishing House 'Aviatsia i Kosmonautika' 1996, p.24	Be-2 (KOR-1) (in Russian) Be-2 (in Russian) Be-2, Beriev KOR-1, Beriev Be-2 (KOR-1) at Virtual Aircraft Museum Beriev page with some history and aircraft data; Beriev aircraft

Created November 25, 1996 Modified June 16, 1999

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