| Technical data | |
|---|---|
| Type | MDR-2 |
| Function | Reconnaissance |
| Year | 1931 |
| Crew | 3-4? |
| Engines | 2*500/680hp BMW-VI |
| Length | 17.03m |
| Wingspan | 23.7m |
| Wing area | 84.0m2 |
| Empty weight | 4560kg |
| Loaded weight | 6920kg |
| Wing Load (kg/m2) | 82.4 |
| Power load (kg/hp) | 6.90 |
| Speed at 0m | 203km/h |
| Speed at 3000m | 166km/h |
| Landing Speed | 115km/h |
| Landing Roll | 15sec |
| Takeoff Roll | 29sec |
| Turn time | 34sec |
| Range | 1062km |
| Flight Endurance | 5h |
| Ceiling | 3350m |
| Climb | |
| 1000m | 7.0min |
| 2000m | 16.0min |
| 3000m | 35.0min |
| Armament | |
| Guns | 4*7.62mm DA on two turrets |
| Bombs | 2*250kg and 4*100kg |
ANT-8, MDR-2, MRT-1, MER by A.N.Tupolev
|
Long-range maritime reconnaissater, all-metal high-wing flying boat with two engines, installed on tall struts. Pusher propellers were better protected from damage by waves. Large underwing floats carried some fraction of the aircraft weight while in water. Wings and tail were identical to those on ANT-9, so the ANT-9 may be considered a predecessor of the ANT-8.
Order on this aircraft with technical requirements was send to A.N.Tupolev in 1925, but he was busy with other more pressing projects. As a result, aircraft mock-up was finished and approved only on 26 July 1930. Aircraft was ready on December 1, and in January 1931 sent for trials.
Factory trials (January 31, 1931) were fulfilled in 3hours47min of flight time, and MDR-2 was presented for the State Acceptance tests (pilot S.T.Rybalchuk, February 15 - March 17, 1931). NII UVVS requested to enlarge the rudder and the floats. Rebuilt MDR-2 was returned to trials on October 8, and was flown until November 14 by pilots M.M.Gromov, B.L.Bukhgolts, N.G.Kastanaev. This time it was tested with increased payload (2360kg, 34.2% of 6290kg takeoff weight).
Seaworthiness was very good. MDR-2 could taxi, takeoff and land easily on high waves. At the same time takeoff and landing speeds were found higher than desired, and aircraft was not so 'forgiving' in handling. This placed additional stress to the pilot.
State Trials started February 15, 1932 (October 8, 1931?).
The conclusion was that MDR-2 fulfills all up-to-date requirements and is comparable to Dornier 'Wal' (in Soviet service since 1927), but has little perspective for development. It was found unnecessary to produce an aircraft that is to became obsolete in one or two years. Discussion of civil modification resulted in nothing, mostly because A.N.Tupolev since 1929 was working on ANT-11 four engined twin-hulled flying boat.
Fuselage design was an experimental one, with unusually strong 'skeleton'. As a result the weight of the hull was 1.5...2.0 times heavier than one of similar contemporary boats.
| Predecessors | Developments | |
|---|---|---|
 ANT-7 R-6 |
 ANT-9 |
None |
| References | Links |
|---|---|
|
|
