Beriev Be-8

Beriev · Soviet Union · first flew 1947 · transport aircraft

The Beriev Be-8 was a Soviet light amphibious flying boat developed in the immediate post-war period, intended for utility transport and training duties. It combined a flying-boat hull with retractable land undercarriage for amphibious operations.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	13 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Soviet post-war light amphibian flying boat
Single piston engine mounted above hull on struts
Small boat hull with retractable wheeled undercarriage

A small, high-wing flying boat with a single engine above the hull, a short boat-form fuselage, and sponsons or wing-tip floats. The retractable undercarriage struts are visible when extended.

Specifications

The Beriev Be-8 has a length of 13 m (43 ft).
It has a wingspan of 19 m (62 ft).
Its maximum speed is 266 km/h (165 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1947, the Be-8 was designed to provide the Soviet Union with a capable light amphibian for a variety of maritime and utility roles. It was powered by a single radial piston engine mounted in a pusher or tractor configuration above the hull. The Be-8 saw limited production but helped establish Beriev's post-war design methodology.

Variants

Limited variants were produced; the Be-8 was essentially a development stepping stone toward later Beriev turboprop amphibians.

Where you'll see it

Used in small numbers by Soviet aviation authorities for coastal patrol, utility, and training duties in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Related aircraft

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