Be-4, KOR-2 by G.M.Beriev

98k b/w photo from "History of aircraft construction in the USSR", Vol.1 p.135

An elegant parasol-wing flying boat, created as catapult-launched or sea-based close range reconnaissater. Single huge radial M-62 engine with tractor propeller was installed on the central pylon. Airflow compensated the engine reaction due to blowing the wing. Construction was all-metal, except fabric on ailerons and tail controls.

One ShKAS machinegun was installed in the nose (fixed), another - in turret behind the wing pylon. Bomb load (400kg) was available only in overload configuration.

48k b/w photo from KOR-2 at Watson's The Second World War Flying Boats

First aircraft was ready in 1941 and fulfilled trials program in Sevastopol before evacuation. Performance was very good, and series production started next year. Since such aircraft was not the major necessity at the time (remember that German armies are still advancing), it was built in limited number (only two in 1942, more during 1943- 1945). Be-4 were used by Naval Aviation.