MP-1, MP-1bis, MP-1T, by G.M.Beriev

44k b/w MP-1 at Yalta haven, ready for Odessa. "Illustrated Encyclopedia of the TANTK G.M.Beriev aircraft" Vol.1 p.40;

Close-range naval reconnaissater MBR-2 entered production in civil configuration (see the story). It was the first Soviet passenger hydroplane with high degree of comfort. It was equipped with ventilation system, comfortable seats and even cabin paneling. Nicely colored, those planes served on Yalta-Odessa route.

Elimination of open gunners position and underwing hardpoints resulted in higher aircraft speed. No other external changes were introduced. Passenger variant MP-1bis was used for altitude record setting by female pilot Polina Osipenko:

• 22 May 1937, 8864m;
• 23 May 1937, 7605m with 500kg load;
• 25 May 1937, 7009m with 1000kg load;

Female crew (P.Osipenko, V.Lomako and V.Raskova) flew route Sevastopol-Kiev-Novgorod-Arkhangelsk for record non-stop flight. This was done 2 July 1938, covering 2416km in 10hours33min at average speed 228km/h.

45k b/w MP-1 of Glavsevmorput. It is not Yalta! "Illustrated Encyclopedia of the TANTK G.M.Beriev aircraft" Vol.1 p.40;

MP-1T (and later MP-1Tbis) were mostly retired reconnaissaters with removed weapons and rudimentary equipment for cargo operations. Served in Polar aviation as transport, aero-photography, ice and fish reconnaissance. Unlike the passenger variants, those usually carried extra weight and scars of repair, and performance was slightly worser.

Predecessors	Modifications
TsKB-25 (MBR-2 prototype)	-

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References	Links
"History of aircraft construction in the USSR", Vol.1 p.341-342; "Illustrated Encyclopedia of the TANTK G.M.Beriev aircraft" Vol.1 p.14-58;	....