Beriev KOR-2

Beriev · Soviet Union · first flew 1940 · light aircraft

The Beriev KOR-2 (Be-4) was a Soviet shipborne catapult floatplane used for naval reconnaissance during World War II. It was designed by Georgi Beriev and operated from Soviet warships.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	High parasol monoplane wing above a narrow fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Soviet WWII-era catapult floatplane for ship operations
Single radial engine, twin floats
High parasol monoplane wing above a narrow fuselage

High-wing parasol monoplane floatplane with twin main floats, a radial engine in an exposed cowling, and a graceful tapering fuselage typical of Beriev designs.

Specifications

The Beriev KOR-2 has a length of 10.5 m (34 ft).
It has a wingspan of 12 m (39 ft).
Its maximum speed is 356 km/h (221 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

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

History

The KOR-2 first flew in 1940 and entered service with the Soviet Navy in 1941, serving as a scout and liaison floatplane launched by catapult from cruisers and battleships. It replaced the earlier KOR-1 biplane floatplane. Production was limited and the type saw service in the Baltic, Black Sea, and Northern fleets during the war.

Variants

The KOR-2 was also designated Be-4; production versions differed little from the prototype. It was the principal Soviet shipborne reconnaissance floatplane of WWII.

Where you'll see it

The KOR-2 served with the Soviet Navy from 1941 through the end of World War II, conducting reconnaissance and liaison missions from warships across multiple fleet theatres.

Related aircraft

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.