TheTupolev MTB-1 (known originally as theMDR-4 and internally to Tupolev as theANT-27) was a patrol flying boat built in the Soviet Union in the mid-1930s. It was a refined version of the unsuccessfulChyetverikov MDR-3. The revised design retained the MDR-3's hull, but added a newly designed, full-cantilever wing, a new tail, and a new engine installation featuring two tractor and one pusher unit. Trials began in March 1934 but the prototype was destroyed during one takeoff.
A second prototype was constructed the following year, and redesignatedMTB-1 to reflect a new torpedo-carrying role. Despite its poor performance in trials, the aircraft was urgently needed to fill a niche in the Soviet Navy, and it was accepted for production before flight testing was complete. Despite some early structural failures, 15 of these machines were eventually produced and saw service in the Navy for several years, remaining in service until 1942.[1]
Gordon, Yefim & Rigamant, Vladimir (2005).OKB Tupolev: A History of the Design Bureau and its Aircraft. Hinckley, England: Midland Publishing.ISBN1-85780-214-4.
