Polikarpov MP
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| Polikarpov MP | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Transport |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Polikarpov |
| Number built | 1 |
| History | |
| First flight | 1943 |
| Developed from | Polikarpov BDP-2 |
The Polikarpov MP (Поликарпов М П - Motoplanior - motor glider) was a Soviet transport aircraft developed by Polikarpov during World War II.[1]
Experiments undertaken by Aeroflot to use the Polikarpov BDP-2 as a cargo transport led to the idea of turning the glider into a motorized aircraft, with the possibility of a small series being produced. Two 145 hp M-11F cowled engines coupled with 2.35-meter propellers taken from Polikarpov Po-2 biplanes were installed on the leading edge of the wing. In 1943 the prototype was built by the Novosibirsk Factory No.51, with acceptance tests carried out at the Moscow Central Airfield by Captain SA Anojin. Seventy flights were undertaken by several test pilots between July 12 and September 10. When towed by a Tupolev SB, the MP was able to achieve speeds of up to 270 km and a height of 4,500 m. The test pilots concluded that the stability was good and it was easy to pilot.[2]
The plane was evaluated by the Soviet Airborne Forces between September 10–13 with various tests loads of roughly 4,000 kg:
- Eleven troops with light weapons
- Anti-tank artillery unit (6 troops with a 45 mm anti-tank gun and 40 shells)
- DShK anti-aircraft battery (5 troops with ammunition)
- Light anti-tank group (ten troops and 3 anti-tank weapons)
- 3 Velocette-style motorcycles
- 2 Indian-style motorcycles
After these evaluations the aircraft was recommended for use by paratroopers and transport with series production proposed. Unfortunately for Polikarpov, by the winter of 1943 the Red Army had liberated a large part of the previously German-occupied territory and the need for the MP was heavily reduced. Only the one prototype was completed.[3]