Beriev BE-6 in Ukraine
Oleg Simanov sent me these photos of a (somewhat) preserved Be-6 in the Ukraine. He also sent
me some information and would like to sell it:
Long-range sea scout Be-6 has been created in G.M.Berieva's KB in 1945. This plane was a two-engined all-metal flying boat, with star-shaped engines and both engines are rated for 2250 h.p.. The distinct "seagull"-type wings can clearly be seen in the first photo.
These photos were taken in the Autumn of 2004.
The plane had a crew of 8 persons and was armed with three gun installations, had good radio equipment, equipped for photoinvestigation and rescue equipment.
Within its 20 years of service, the Be-6 carried out tasks such as the protectiof sea boundaries, but could also be used to land Marines (40 persons) in coastal regions. About 20 Be-6's found their way to China.
While develloped as a long-range recon plane, the Be-6 met American opposition on the sea. At some point. a Be-6 was flying on investigation to the Sea of Japan and was intercepted and accompanied by fighters of the Americans; the Be-6 was designated the scout code "Madge".
This flying boat was capable to accomplish wide variety of missions: long-range maritime reconnaissance; coastal and supply lines patrol; torpedo/bombing strikes; navy seals support (40 with equipment); laying mine fields; transport operations; ice patrol
Beriev Be-6's NATO nickname was "Madge". First flight from water was made 14Nov47. A twin-engined patrol flying boat, its configuration resembles that of the U.S. PBM Mariner: It stayed in service until the late 1960s.
| Specifications |
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Function | reconnaissance / ASW |
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Year | 1949 | |
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Crew | 7 |
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Engines | 2 * 1715kW Shvetsov ASh-73TK |
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Wing Span | 33.0m |
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Length | 23.57m |
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Height | 7.64m |
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Wing Area | 120m2 |
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Empty Weight | 18827kg |
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Max.Weight | 29000kg |
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Speed | 415km/h |
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Ceiling | 6100m |
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Range | 4800km |
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Armament | 5*g23mm 4000kg |
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Load | 40 seats |
Be-6 equipment includes autopilot, blind flight/landing equipment and friend-foe identification system, in addition to standard navigation, photographic and radio equipment. Ventral retractable search radar was enclosed in a foam-plastic fairing.
Reliability of aircraft is augmented by eight hull sections which may be sealed individually, preventing from Be-6 from sinking in case of combat damage. Fixed underwing floats are also divided into four sealed volumes each. Strong airframe allows continuous taxi on 2m waves. Twenty-two self-sealing soft fuel tanks are located in the wing, with access from below. De-icing system includes hot air, liquid and electric heating of the windshield. Wing and tail leading edges (as well as air
intakes) are warmed up with hot air from four gasoline burners. Ethanol is used on propeller blades. Mechanical de-icers are installed on windshield
and pressure sensors. Distilled water is used to remove salt deposits from the windshield.
Be-6 is capable to sustain horizontal flight at 2500m with one engine shot off. Servotrimmers are used to reduce control load in this situation.
Source: www.ctrl-c.liu.se/misc/ram/be-6.html
Hans Hoogers sent me the following information in Oct.2007:
"I did some research on this Be-6 in the Ukraine...
I think it is the same as the one which can be seen (seemingly in a better condition) on
www.aviamonuments.ru/planes/Ukraina/Mirnyiy/1 and www.aviamonuments.ru/planes/Ukraina/Mirnyiy/2; or they may simply have put it back in its display position (these photos are supposed to have been taken in Sep.2006..?).
According www.avia-museum.org.ua/?lang=ru&mod=exp&view=36 (unfortunately without a photo) it is destined to go to a museum in Kiev.
Depending on the form of translation (various spelling possible), it should be located in the village of Mirnyy (Mirnyiy, Mirnyi, Mirniy, etc) near Yevpatoria (Evpatoria) on the Krim. It can be seen on Google Earth."
Photo source: www.aviamonuments.ru/planes/Ukraina/Mirnyiy/2
In May 2010 I received following update:
I would like to inform you, that this BE-6 was repaired and can now be found in the Ukrainian National Aviation Museum, in very
good condition!
I have some photos of this aircraft, in the Museum
www.airliners.net
www.spotters.net.ua
Other photos of the Beriev Be-6 in 'Ukrainian Spotters Site'
www.spotters.net.ua/search/?q=be-6&sort=added_desc
Best regards
Vyacheslav Smigunov
(Kiev, Ukraine) |
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