|
Air Power |
The Tupolev TU-2 is one of the planes which are not well known, the first design of this plane began during the early years of WWII.Previously designed for the replacement of the PE-2 wich was built in great number, the TU-2 in fact never replace the PE-2.
The initial project was nammed ANT-58,and was a fast attack bomber, able to carry up to 2000kg of bomb at a speed over 500km/h
The plane design is quite simple, and his shape is very similar to the PE-2 for non trained eyes it's easy to confuse the two planes.
The TU-2 have near size of the PE-2 but is heavier 12800 kg in maximum charge against the 8000kg for the Pe-2.
It's a twin engine four seat bomber ,the fuselage have a very aérodynamic shape and the plane looks like more as a fighter than a bomber.
The design was so good that until the end of his career in the 60's no major modifications was introduced. The Tu-2 is one of the few planes to receive a NATO code , the TU-2 used by communist block was nammed " BAT "
Soon the plane was on duty she was very appreciated by the crew, fast, powerful and robust the plane was able to succed in most of the missions.
A ground attack variant was developped , with a 37mm gun, and a night fighter with radar equipment was also built.
The TU-6 latest development of the TU-2 was similar but have a bigger wing and bigger tail.
The TU-2 was yet in use during the Korean war between 1950 and 1953. China received 100 Tu-2 which stayed long years on duty.
Many Warsaw Pact country have use the TU-2 after 1945 , Poland was one of the greatest user of the TU-2
NOTE:My apologies for spelling/grammar, I pulled the info off a foreign website
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Tupolev
Function: Bomber
Crew: 4
Engines: Two ASh-82FNV, twin radial 14 cylinders with 1380kW each
Dimensions:
Wingspan: 18.86 m
Length: 13.8 m
Height: 4.55 m
Max weight: 11360 kg
Empty weight: 7474 kg
Performance :
Max speed: 550 kph
Ceiling: 9500 m
Range: 1400 km
Armaments:
2 x 20mm cannons
3 x 12.7mm MG
4000kg of bombs
All information and photos Copyright of their respective sites & owners
