Heavy bombers of the Second World War of the USSR. Review of iconic bombers of World War II
To arm the first domestic jet torpedo aircraft Tu-14T and Il-28T, an underwater jet torpedo was developed under the leadership of chief designer G.Ya. Dillon and deputy chief designer V.P. Golikov (after the death of G.Ya. Dillon was the chief designer) RAT-52. Work on jet torpedoes began at NII-1 MSKHM in 1944 and ended at NII-2 MAP (NIIAS) in 1952. In 1947, a project was developed for a 45-cm jet aircraft torpedo with a powder engine with a thrust of 800-1200 kg (determined by the temperature of the powder charge). It could be dropped from a carrier aircraft from altitudes of up to 10 km at flight speeds of up to 800 km/h. On a given course of the air section of the trajectory, the torpedo was kept by a control system consisting of three gyroscopes using a special wing and ailerons.
Initially, it was planned to install a hydroacoustic homing system on the jet torpedo, but this idea was later abandoned. The homing system complicated the design of the torpedo and delayed the creation time, because its development required basic research. Light alloys were widely used in the design of the torpedo, thereby increasing the mass of the warhead. The torpedo was easy to use. Tests of an experimental batch of torpedoes were carried out in 1947. The equipping of jet torpedoes and their factory tests were carried out at branches of plant No. 466 in Feodosia and Lisiy Nos. In 1950, the torpedo passed factory tests; they were launched from a Tu-2 aircraft at a flight speed of 450 km/h. State tests were completed in 1952. On February 4, 1953, a rocket-propelled torpedo under the designation RAT-52 was adopted by the Navy's torpedo bombers. Military trials RAT-52 took place in September-November 1953 on the Black Sea, from torpedo bombers Tu-14T and Il-28T from the 943rd MTAP, 54 torpedoes of various equipment were dropped. When tested at the test site, the probability of being hit by one torpedo was 0.17-0.38. During all types of tests rocket torpedo About 700 shots and drops were made.
The RAT-52 torpedo consisted of a combat charging compartment (an explosive charge and two fuses), an instrument compartment, an aft compartment (with a solid propellant engine and steering gears) and a parachute system. A steel bow wing was installed in the front part with an angle of attack of 23 degrees to launch the torpedo to a given depth after splashdown. To gradually reduce the speed at which a torpedo falls from the carrier aircraft, the PAT-52 was equipped with parachute system of two parachutes: small and large, which was activated by the PAS-1 automatic parachute deployment device. Stabilization of the torpedo was ensured by a cylindrical stabilizing ring and air ailerons. The RAT-52 torpedo was intended for targeted high-altitude torpedo launching and destruction surface ships with a draft of more than 2 meters. It could be used from altitudes from 1500 m to the practical ceiling of the carrier aircraft. For aiming, the torpedo bombers used the PSBN-m radar sight and the optical OPB.
Before the release, the aircraft navigator set the torpedo's travel depth from 2 to 8 meters and connected the torpedo's capacitors for charging. Then the plane was put on a combat course, aiming was carried out as during bombing and the torpedo was automatically released at a given moment. After separation from the carrier aircraft, the PAT-52 deployed a small brake parachute, shaped like a propeller, and at an altitude of 500 m, a large brake parachute opened. When a torpedo was launched using a parachute system, the ailerons, following commands from the control system, kept it in the firing plane and prevented rotation. In the air section, the torpedo control system operated: three gyroscopes - heading, bow and aileron. At the moment of entering the water, the parachute system was separated, the torpedo fell to a depth of 20 meters and, under the action of the bow wing, was brought to a horizontal position. Subsequently, the bow wing was fired, the hydrostat was turned on, the engine was started, and at a given depth of 2-8 m the torpedo went to the target.
Based on the experience of the exercises, it was revealed that attacking transports from convoys with RAT-52 torpedoes is more effective when they are dropped in groups from a height of 4000 m or more (up to 13000 m). With a single use of the RAT-52 torpedo, the probability of hitting the target was 0.02%. To prevent corrosion, RAT-52 torpedoes were stored in special containers filled with nitrogen. For training personnel A training version of the RAT-52 torpedo was created. On it instead explosive in the combat charging compartment there was recording equipment and a tank with an alcohol-water mixture, which was displaced compressed air after stopping the torpedo to ensure ascent. The RAT-52 rocket torpedo was supplied abroad: to China and Cuba. Chinese Il-28T aircraft successfully used it in combat operations in the late 50s in the Taiwan Strait. In progress serial production The RAT-52 was replaced by a modified RAT-52M torpedo. One of the main disadvantages of the RAT-52 jet torpedo was its short range shooting (underwater).
Performance characteristics of RAT-52
Type of torpedoes - underwater anti-ship jet ramjet
Carrier aircraft - Il-28T (up to three RAT-52, two on the outside and one in the bomb bay), Tu-14T, Tu-16T (up to 4 RAT-52 in the bomb bay), M-4 (project, up to six torpedoes)
Caliber, mm. 450
Length, mm. 3897
Plumage span, mm 750
Weight, kg: 627
Warhead:
- type - high explosive
- weight, kg 2401-2433,
- fuse - two contact inertial KAVT-55 cocking time after 30-35 m of travel in water
Underwater range, m:
- maximum 520-600 (400-500) (depending on the engine charge temperature)
- without engine running 60
Stroke depth, m. 2-8
Sea depth, m. not less than 20
Travel speed, knots 58-68
Application height, m. 1500-4000
Carrier speed, km/h. 800
Time from release to hitting target, s. no more than 35
A medium dive bomber of an all-metal design was developed by the Arkhangelsk Design Bureau in 1940 and was produced in 1940-1941. at Moscow plant No. 22. The aircraft was created by modernizing the SB. A total of 200 cars were produced. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 12.5 m; height – 3.6 m; wingspan – 18 m; wing area – 48.2 m²; empty weight – 4.5 t, take-off weight – 8.2 t; engines - two M-105R with a power of 1100 hp; volume of fuel tanks – 1.5 thousand liters; maximum speed – 512 km/h, cruising speed – 475 km/h; rate of climb – 765 m/m; practical range – 1,500 km; practical ceiling – 10,500 km; run length – 306 m, run length – 514 m; armament - four 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns; bomb load - 1.6 tons; crew – 3 people.
The aircraft was developed at Moscow Plant No. 22 in 1937 and produced by Kazan Plant No. 124 in 1938-1940. It had a smooth skin, metal propellers with adjustable blade angles on the ground, a retractable tail, semi-retractable main landing gear wheels and a bomb bay measuring 6x2 m. For winter flights, it was possible to attach a ski landing gear. A total of 12 cars were produced. Performance characteristics of the vehicle: length – 24.4 m; wingspan - 39.5 m; wing area – 230 m²; empty weight - 15.4 tons, take-off weight - 21.9 tons; engines - four AM-34RN, 970 hp; fuel tank capacity – 14.6 thousand liters; rate of climb – 135 m/m; maximum speed – 330 km/h; practical range – 4,500 km; practical ceiling – 7,720 m; run length – 400 m, run length – 300 m; armament - 20-mm ShVAK cannon (ammunition - 250 rounds), six 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns (ammunition - 3000 rounds), bomb load - 6.5 tons; crew – 7 people.
The medium bomber was developed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau in 1935 and was produced in 1938-1939. at the Voronezh plant No. 18, Moscow No. 39 and No. 126 in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. A total of 1,528 vehicles were produced in five production versions. Performance characteristics of the vehicle: length – 14.2 m; height – 4.2 m; wingspan - 21.4 m; wing area – 65.6 m²; empty weight – 4.8 t, take-off weight – 9 t; engines - two M85, M-87A, power 760-950 hp; fuel tank capacity – 810.l; maximum speed – 400-439 km/h, cruising speed – 320 km/h; practical range – 3100-3800 km; practical ceiling – 8,400 – 9,600 m; run length – 200 m, run length – 300 m; armament - three 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns (ammunition - 2500 rounds), bomb load - 2.5 tons; crew – 3 people.
Bomber - Er-2 2M-30B
Bomber - Er-2 2ACh-30B
The medium bomber was developed by OKB-240 in 1939 and was produced by Voronezh plant No. 18 and Irkutsk plant No. 39 in 1940-1945. in three serial modifications. It was a twin-engine monoplane with a reverse gull wing and became a development of the Stal-7 passenger aircraft. A total of 462 cars were produced. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 16.2 – 16.7 m; height – 4.8 m; wingspan - 21.7 - 23 m; wing area – 72 – 79 m²; empty weight - 8.9 - 10.8 tons, take-off weight - 13.5 - 18.4 tons; engines – M-105/АБ-37/АЧ-30Б power – 1100/1400/1500 hp; volume of fuel tanks – 5.4 thousand liters; rate of climb – 330 – 455 m/m; maximum speed - 415 - 519 km/h, cruising speed - 330 - 437 km/h; practical range – 2,500 – 5,300 km; practical ceiling – 7,500 – 7,700 m; take-off length – 580 m; armament - two 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns and a 12.7-mm UBT machine gun or three 12.7-mm UBT machine guns or a 20-mm ShVAK cannon and two 12.7-mm UBT machine guns, bomb load - 3 - 5 tons ; crew – 3 – 5 people.
The attack aircraft was developed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau in 1939 and was produced by aircraft factories No. 1, No. 18 and No. 30 in 1941-1945. based on the BSh-2 aircraft. A total of 36.2 thousand cars were produced in five serial modifications. The aircraft was a low-wing aircraft of mixed design. The hull armor was part of the aircraft's airframe and replaced the frame and skin of the entire nose and middle part of the fuselage. The armored hull covered the engine, cockpit and radiators. Transparent frontal armor The cabin visor had a thickness of 64 mm and withstood 7.62 mm armor-piercing bullet. At the end of 1942, the aircraft became a two-seater, however, the gunner was located outside the armored hull and was protected only by a 6-mm armor plate on the tail side. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 11.6 m; height – 4.2 m; wingspan - 14.6 m; wing area – 38.5 m²; empty weight - 4 - 4.6 tons, take-off weight - 5.3 - 6.4 tons; armor weight – 1 t; engine – AM-38/38F, power – 1,575 – 1,760 hp; rate of climb – 7 – 10.4 m/s; maximum speed – 390 – 460 km/h; practical range - 630 - 765 km; practical ceiling – 5,500 – 7,800 m; run length - 370 - 450 m, run length - 400 - 535 m; armament - two 20-mm ShVAK cannons (420 rounds) or two 23-mm VYA-23 cannons (300 rounds) or two 37-mm NS-37 cannons (100 rounds), two 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns (1,500 cartridges), additional 12.7 mm UBT machine gun (500 cartridges); bomb load - 0.6 t; suspended weapons - four to eight RS-82 or RS-132; crew – 1-2 people.
The medium bomber was developed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau in 1940 and was produced in 1942-1944. It was a modified DB-3, which had a new navigator's cabin and a new fuselage. There are two known serial modifications: Il-4T (torpedo bomber) and Il-4TK (high-altitude version). A total of 5.3 thousand cars were produced. Performance characteristics of the vehicle: length – 14.8 m; height – 4.1 m; wingspan - 21.4 m; wing area – 66.7 m²; empty weight – 5.8 t, take-off weight – 12.1 t; engines – M-88B, 1,100 hp; fuel mass - 1.1 thousand tons; rate of climb – 4.4 m/s; maximum speed – 430 km/h; flight range – 3,800 km; practical ceiling – 8,900 m; armament - two 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, additionally a 12.7 mm UBT machine gun; bomb load - 2.5 tons; crew – 4 people.
The aircraft was developed by the Ilyushin Design Bureau on the basis of the Il-2 in 1944 and was produced since 1944 at aircraft factories No. 1, No. 18 and No. 64. It differed from its predecessor in the armoring of the gunner’s cockpit and the strengthening of defensive weapons. A total of 5 thousand cars were produced, incl. 280 training IL-10. Performance characteristics of the vehicle: length – 11.1 m; height – 4.2 m; wingspan - 13.4 m; wing area – 30 m²; empty weight – 4.6 t, take-off weight – 6.5 t; armor weight – 1 t; engine – AM-42 power – 2,000 hp; rate of climb – 625 m/m; maximum speed – 551 km/h, cruising speed – 436 km/h; practical range – 800 km; practical ceiling – 7,250 m; run length – 475 m, run length – 460 m; armament - two 23-mm VYa-23 cannons (300 rounds) or 20-mm UB-20 cannons and two 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns, bomb load - 0.6 tons; suspended weapons - eight RS-82 or RS-132; crew – 2 people.
The medium bomber was developed by the Petlyakov Design Bureau in 1940 on the basis of the experimental “100” fighter and was produced in 1940-1945. at plants No. 22, No. 39, No. 124 and No. 125. A total of 11.4 thousand cars were produced in 21 serial modifications. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 12.2 – 12.8 m; height - 3.4 - 3.9 m; wingspan - 17.1 - 17.5 m; wing area – 40.5 m²; empty weight – 5.8 – 6.2 t, take-off weight – 7.5 – 8.7 t; engines - two M-105R/M-105RA/M-105PF with a power of 1,100 - 1,210 hp; volume of fuel tanks - 1.1 - 1.5 thousand liters; rate of climb – 9.8 m/s; maximum speed – 452 – 530 km/h; practical ceiling – 8,800 m; practical range – 1,200 – 1,500 km; armament - one or two 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns and three 12.7-mm UBT machine guns, additionally - a DAG-10 grenade launcher; bomb load – 0.6 t, external load – 0.4 t; crew - 2 - 3 people.
The long-range heavy bomber was developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau and was produced from 1939 to 1944. Kazan aircraft plant No. 124. It was an all-metal four-engine mid-wing with a smooth skin. The plane had a two-story cabin, armored seats for pilots and gunners in engine nacelles. A total of 93 cars were produced. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 23.6 m; height – 6.2 m; wingspan – 39 m; wing area – 188.7 m²; empty weight – 20 t, take-off weight – 35 t; engines - four AM-35A/M-30/M-82FN/M-105 with a power of 1,200 - 1,350 hp; rate of climb – 5.9 m/s; volume of fuel tanks – 17 thousand liters; maximum speed – 443 km/h, cruising speed – 400 km/h; practical range – 3,600 – 5,800 km; practical ceiling – 9,300 m; run length – 2,300 m, run length – 580 m; armament - two 20-mm ShVAK cannons, two 12.7-mm UBT machine guns, two 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns; bomb load - 4 - 5 tons; crew – 8 – 12 people.
The aircraft was developed in 1928 by the Polikarpov Design Bureau and was produced in 1929-1935. at aircraft factory No. 31. It was a single-column braced two-seater sesquiplane made of pine, plywood, canvas and mild steel using welding. There is a known modification with six ShKAS machine guns. A total of 6 thousand vehicles were produced, but no more than 200 vehicles took part in hostilities. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 10.6 m; height – 2.6 m; wingspan - 15.3 m; wing area – 50.2 m²; empty weight – 3.2 t, take-off weight – 3.8 t; engine – M-17F with a power of 680 hp; rate of climb – 295 m/m; maximum speed – 235 km/h; practical range – 1,000 km; practical ceiling – 6,400 m; run length – 300 m, run length – 220 m; armament - eight to ten 7.62 mm PV-1 machine guns; bomb load - 0.5 t; crew – 2 people.
The aircraft was developed by the Polikarpov Design Bureau in 1935 on the basis of the R-5. It was produced by aircraft factory No. 1 in 1936-1937. A total of 1,031 cars were produced. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 9.7 m; height – 3.5 m; wingspan - 15.5 m; wing area – 42.5 m²; empty weight – 2 t, take-off weight – 3.2 t; engine – M-34N/M-34NV with a power of 850 hp; rate of climb – 425 m/m; maximum speed – 316 km/s, cruising speed – 266 km/h; practical range – 1,000 km; practical ceiling – 8,700 m; armament - five 7.62 mm ShKAS and one PV-1; bomb load - 0.5 t; crew – 2 people.
The high-speed medium bomber was developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in 1934 and was produced by Moscow Plant No. 22 and Irkutsk Plant No. 125 in 1936-1941. There are 14 known modifications of the aircraft, 9 of which were mass-produced. A total of 6.7 thousand cars were produced. Performance characteristics of the vehicle: length – 12.8 m; height – 3.5 m; wingspan - 20.3 m; wing area – 56.7 m²; empty weight – 4.8 t, take-off weight – 7.9 t; engines - two M-103 with a power of 960 hp; maximum speed – 450 km/h, cruising speed – 375 km/h; rate of climb – 9.5 m/s; practical range – 2,300 km; practical ceiling – 7,800 m; run length – 300 m, run length – 350 m; armament - six 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns; bomb load - 0.6 t; crew – 3 people.
The short-range bomber was developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in 1939 and produced by aircraft factories No. 135 and No. 207 in 1939-1941. It had a mixed design, a closed cabin with a sliding canopy. To ensure winter operation, all production aircraft were equipped with a set of skis. There are known modifications of the aircraft under the designation SU-4 and ShB. A total of 893 cars were produced. The aircraft were also used as reconnaissance aircraft, spotters and attack aircraft. Performance characteristics of the vehicle: length – 10.3 m; height – 4 m; wingspan - 14.3 m; wing area – 29 m²; empty weight – 3.2 t, take-off weight – 4.7 t; engines – M-82, M-88, M-88B, power 1,330 hp; rate of climb – 558 m/m; volume of fuel tanks – 930.l; maximum speed – 486 km/h, cruising speed – 459 km/h; practical range – 910 km; practical ceiling – 8,400 m; run length – 200 m, run length – 300 m; armament - three ShKAS machine guns; ammunition - 2,000 rounds; bomb load - 0.4 t; outboard weapons - 10 NURS RS-82 or RS-132; crew – 2 people.
The two-seat armored attack aircraft was developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in 1940. The aircraft had a wooden fuselage with a metal wing and a retractable landing gear. In 1940-1944, 10 aircraft with various weapons and engines were produced. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 9.2 m; height – 4.2 m; wingspan - 13.6 m; wing area – 26 m²; empty weight – 4.1 t, take-off weight – 6.2 t; engines - M-71F, power 1,900 - 2,200 hp; fuel tank volume – 645 l; maximum speed – 514 km/h; practical range - 932 km; practical ceiling – 8,100 m; run length – 410 m, run length – 730 m; armament - two 37-mm NS-37 cannons, two ShKAS machine guns, 12.7-mm UBT machine gun; ammunition - 1,500 rounds; bomb load - 0.4 t; outboard weapons - 10 RS-82 or RS-132; crew – 2 people.
The bomber was developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau on the basis of the TB-1 in 1930 and was produced by Voronezh plant No. 18 and Moscow No. 22 and No. 39 in 1932-1937. The aircraft was also used as a transport and landing vehicle. Nine modifications are known, differing in engines, chassis, propellers and trim. A total of 819 vehicles were produced. Performance characteristics of the vehicle: length – 24.4 m; height – 8.5 m; wingspan – 39.5-41.9 m; wing area – 230-234.5 m²; empty weight – 11 t, take-off weight – 19.5 t; engines - four M-17F or M-34/34R with a power of 715-900 hp; volume of fuel tanks – 8 thousand liters; maximum speed – 245-300 km/h, cruising speed – 182 km/h; practical range - 3120 km; practical ceiling – 4,300-8,116 m; run length – 200 m, run length – 300 m; armament - 4-8 7.62 mm machine guns YES; ammunition - 6,300 rounds; bomb load - 3-5 tons; crew – 6-8 people.
The aircraft was developed by the Tupolev Design Bureau and was produced since 1942 by aircraft factories No. 22 and No. 166. It was an all-metal high-wing aircraft with a two-fin tail, a wing of a caisson structure with flaps and brake grilles. A total of 2.5 thousand vehicles were built in the following serial modifications: Tu-2 (with M-82 engines), Tu-2S (with ASh-82FN engines), Tu-2D (M-82FN), Tu-2T (torpedo bomber) , Tu-2F and Tu-2R (reconnaissance). Performance characteristics of the vehicle: length – 13.8 m; height – 4.1 m; wingspan - 18.9 m; wing area – 48.5 m²; empty weight - 7.6 tons, take-off weight - 11.8 tons; engines - two ASh-82/M-82A with a power of 1,850 hp; rate of climb – 490 m/m; volume of fuel tanks – 2.2 thousand liters; maximum speed – 521 km/h, cruising speed – 442 km/h; practical range – 2,020 km; practical ceiling – 9,000 m; armament - two 20-mm ShVAK cannons (ammunition - 300 rounds), a 12.7-mm UBT machine gun (750 rounds), three 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns (2,250 rounds); bomb load - 3 tons; external suspension – 10 RS-132; crew – 4 people.
The aircraft was created under the leadership of N. N. Polikarpov in 1928. and was produced since 1929 in the following serial modifications: U-2LSh (attack aircraft with one 7.62-mm ShKAS machine gun, mount for 120 kg bombs and guides for four RS-82); U-2LNB (night bomber); U-2VS or Po-2VS (combat training); U-2M (seaplane); U-2S (S-1) and S-2 (sanitary), U-2SP (communications aircraft), U-2UT (trainer). Since 1941, the aircraft was produced at factories No. 51, No. 387, No. 464, No. 471 and No. 494. It was a biplane with an air-cooled engine. The structure was made of pine and plywood, with fabric sheathing, and the components were made of mild steel. Since 1944 it received the designation Po-2. A total of 33 thousand cars were produced. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 8.2 m; height – 3.1 m; wingspan - 11.4 m; wing area – 33.2 m²; empty weight - 635 - 750 kg, take-off weight - 890 - 910 kg; engine - M-11/M-11A/M-11D, power - 100 - 115 hp; rate of climb – 40 m/m; maximum speed - 130 - 150 km/h, cruising speed - 100 - 120 km/h; practical ceiling - 1,500 - 3,800 m; practical range - 430 - 530 km; run length – 100 m, run length – 150 m; armament - 7.62 mm ShKAS or DA machine gun (ammunition - 200 rounds); bomb load - 100 - 500 kg; crew 2 people.
The aircraft was produced in 1941-1942. A total of 1.1 thousand cars were produced. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 8.5 m; wingspan – 10 m; wing area – 17.2 m²; empty weight – 2.5 t, take-off weight – 3 t; engine - M-105PA power - 1050 hp; rate of climb – 806 m/m; maximum speed – 528 km/h; practical ceiling – 9,500 m; practical range – 760 km; run length – 100 m, run length – 150 m; armament - 20-mm ShVAK cannon and two 7.62-mm ShKAS machine guns; bomb load - 200 kg or six launchers RS-82; crew 1 person.
The bomber was developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau in 1939 and was produced in 1939-1940. A total of 111 vehicles were produced. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 9.3 m; wingspan – 14 m; wing area – 29 m²; empty weight – 4 t, take-off weight – 5.4 t; engines - two M-103, 960 hp; rate of climb – 10.8 m/s; maximum speed – 515 km/h; practical range – 800 km; practical ceiling – 8,900 m; armament - 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, bomb load - 0.9 tons; crew - 2 - 3 people.
The light bomber was developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau on the basis of the Yak-2 and was produced in 1940-1942. A total of 90 cars were produced. Vehicle performance characteristics: length – 10.2 m; wingspan – 14 m; wing area – 29 m²; empty weight – 4 t, take-off weight – 5.8 t; engines - two M-105, 1,100 hp; fuel tank capacity – 960 l; rate of climb – 15.3 m/s; maximum speed – 574 km/h, cruising speed – 545 km/h; practical range – 1200 km; practical ceiling – 10,000 m; armament - two 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, bomb load - 0.8 tons; crew – 2 people.
Messerschmitt Bf.109
In fact, a whole family of German combat vehicles, total of which (33,984 units) makes the 109th one of the most popular aircraft of World War II. It was used as a fighter, fighter-bomber, fighter-interceptor, and reconnaissance aircraft. It was as a fighter that the Messer earned its sad fame among Soviet pilots - on initial stage During the war, Soviet fighters, such as the I-16 and LaGG, were clearly technically inferior to the Bf.109 and suffered heavy losses. Only the advent of more advanced aircraft, such as the Yak-9, allowed our pilots to fight the Messers almost on an equal footing. Most mass modification The vehicle became the Bf.109G (“Gustav”).
Messerschmitt Bf.109
Messerschmitt Me.262
The plane was remembered not for its special role in World War II, but for the fact that it turned out to be the first-born of jet aircraft on the battlefield. Me.262 began to be designed even before the war, however real interest Hitler awakened to the project only in 1943, when the Luftwaffe had already lost its combat power. The Me.262 had unique speed (about 850 km/h), altitude and climb rates for its time and therefore had serious advantages over any fighter of that time. In reality, for every 150 Allied aircraft shot down, there were 100 Me.262s lost. Low efficiency combat use was explained by the “crude” design, little experience in using jet aircraft and insufficient training of pilots.
Messerschmitt Me.262
Heinkel-111
Heinkel-111
Junkers Ju 87 Stuka
The Ju 87 dive bomber, produced in several modifications, became a kind of forerunner of modern precision weapons, since the bombs were not thrown with high altitude, but from a steep dive, which made it possible to more accurately target the ammunition. It was very effective in the fight against tanks. Due to the specific nature of its use in conditions of high overloads, the vehicle was equipped with automatic air brakes to recover from a dive in the event of the pilot losing consciousness. To enhance the psychological effect, during the attack the pilot turned on the “Jericho trumpet” - a device that emitted a terrible howl. One of the most famous ace pilots to fly the Stuka was Hans-Ulrich Rudel, who left rather boastful memories of the war in Eastern Front.
Junkers Ju 87 Stuka
Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu
The tactical reconnaissance aircraft Fw 189 Uhu is interesting primarily for its unusual double-boom design, for which soviet soldiers They called him "Rama". And it was on the Eastern Front that this reconnaissance spotter turned out to be most useful to the Nazis. Our fighters knew well that bombers would arrive after the “Rama” and strike the scouted targets. But it was not so easy to shoot down this low-speed aircraft due to its high maneuverability and excellent survivability. When Soviet fighters approached, he could, for example, begin to describe circles of a small radius, into which high-speed vehicles simply could not fit.
Focke-Wulf Fw 189 Uhu
Probably the most recognizable Luftwaffe bomber was developed in the early 1930s under civilian guise. transport aircraft(it was forbidden to create a German Air Force Treaty of Versailles). At the beginning of World War II, the Heinkel-111 was the most popular Luftwaffe bomber. He became one of the main characters of the Battle of Britain - it was the result of Hitler's attempt to break the will to resist the British through massive bombing raids on cities Misty Albion(1940). Even then it became clear that this medium bomber was obsolete, it lacked speed, maneuverability and security. Nevertheless, the aircraft continued to be used and produced until 1944.
Allies
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
The American “flying fortress” constantly increased its security during the war. In addition to excellent survivability (in the form, for example, the ability to return to base with one intact engine out of four), the heavy bomber received thirteen 12.7 mm machine guns in the B-17G modification. A tactic was developed in which “flying fortresses” flew over enemy territory in a checkerboard formation, protecting each other with crossfire. The plane was equipped with a high-tech Norden bomb sight at that time, built on the basis of an analog computer. If the British bombed the Third Reich mainly in dark time days, then the “flying fortresses” were not afraid to appear over Germany in daylight hours days.
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Avro 683 Lancaster
One of the main participants in the Allied bomber raids on Germany, the British heavy bomber of World War II. The Avro 683 Lancaster accounted for ¾ of the total bomb load dropped by the British on the Third Reich. The carrying capacity allowed the four-engine aircraft to take on board “blockbusters” - the Tallboy and Grand Slam super-heavy concrete-piercing bombs. Low security implied the use of Lancasters as night bombers, but night bombing was characterized by low accuracy. During the day, these planes suffered significant losses. Lancasters actively participated in the most destructive bombing raids of World War II - on Hamburg (1943) and Dresden (1945).
Avro 683 Lancaster
North American P-51 Mustang
One of the most iconic fighters of World War II, which played an exceptional role in the events of Western Front. No matter how you defend yourself heavy bombers Allies, who went on raids on Germany, these large, low-maneuverable and relatively slow-moving aircraft suffered heavy losses from German fighter aircraft. The North American company, commissioned by the British government, urgently created a fighter that could not only successfully fight against Messers and Fokkers, but also have a sufficient range (due to drop tanks) to accompany bomber raids on the continent. When Mustangs began to be used in this capacity in 1944, it became clear that air war in the West the Germans finally lost.
North American P-51 Mustang
Supermarine Spitfire
The main and most mass fighter British Air Force wartime, one of the best fighters World War II. Its altitude and speed characteristics made it an equal rival to the German Messerschmitt Bf.109, and in a head-to-head battle between these two machines big role the skill of the pilots played a role. The Spitfires performed well, covering the evacuation of the British from Dunkirk after the success of Hitler's blitzkrieg, and then during the Battle of Britain (July-October 1940), when British fighters had to fight both German bombers He-111, Do-17, Ju 87, as well as with Bf fighters. 109 and Bf.110.
Supermarine Spitfire
Japan
Mitsubishi A6M Raisen
At the beginning of World War II Japanese carrier-based fighter The A6M Raisen was the best in its class in the world, even though its name included the Japanese word "Rei-sen", that is, "zero fighter". Thanks to the drop tanks, the fighter had a high flight range (3105 km), which made it indispensable for participation in raids on the ocean theater. Among the aircraft involved in the attack on Pearl Harbor were 420 A6Ms. The Americans learned lessons from communicating with the nimble, fast-climbing Japanese, and by 1943 they fighter aircraft surpassed its once dangerous opponent.
Mitsubishi A6M Raisen
The most popular dive bomber of the USSR began production before the war, in 1940, and remained in service until the Victory. The low-wing aircraft with two engines and a double fin was a very progressive machine for its time. In particular, it was equipped with a pressurized cabin and fly-by-wire control (which, due to its novelty, became the source of many problems). In reality, the Pe-2, unlike the Ju 87, was not so often used as a dive bomber. Most often, he launched bombing attacks on areas from horizontal flight or from a flat rather than deep dive.
Pe-2
The most massive combat aircraft in history (36,000 of these “silts” were produced) is considered a true battlefield legend. One of its features is the supporting armored hull, which replaced the frame and skin in most of the fuselage. The attack aircraft operated at altitudes of several hundred meters above the ground, becoming not the most difficult target for ground forces. anti-aircraft weapons and the object of hunting from the outside German fighters. The first versions of the Il-2 were built as single-seat aircraft, without a gunner, which led to fairly high combat losses among aircraft of this type. And yet, the IL-2 played its role in all theaters of war where our army fought, becoming a powerful means of support ground forces in the fight against enemy armored vehicles.
IL-2
The Yak-3 was a development of the Yak-1M fighter, which had proven itself in combat. During the development process, the wing was shortened and other design changes were made to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics. This lightweight wooden aircraft reached an impressive speed of 650 km/h and had excellent flight characteristics at low altitudes. Tests of the Yak-3 started at the beginning of 1943, and already during the battle on the Kursk Bulge it entered into battle, where, with the help of a 20-mm ShVAK cannon and two 12.7-mm Berezin machine guns, it successfully resisted the Messerschmitts and Fokkers.
Yak-3
One of the best Soviet fighters, the La-7, which entered service a year before the end of the war, was a development of the LaGG-3 that met the war. All the advantages of the “ancestor” came down to two factors - high survivability and maximum use of wood in the design instead of scarce metal. However, the weak motor and heavy weight turned the LaGG-3 into an unimportant opponent of the all-metal Messerschmitt Bf.109. From LaGG-3, Lavochkin OKB-21 made the La-5, installing a new ASh-82 engine and improving the aerodynamics. The La-5FN modification with a forced engine was already an excellent combat vehicle, surpassing the Bf.109 in a number of parameters. In the La-7, the weight was again reduced, and the armament was also strengthened. The plane became very good, even while remaining wooden.
La-7
The U-2, or Po-2, created in 1928, by the beginning of the war was certainly an example of outdated technology and was not designed as a combat aircraft at all (the combat training version appeared only in 1932). However, to win, this classic biplane had to work as a night bomber. Its undoubted advantages are ease of operation, the ability to land outside airfields and take off from small sites, and low noise.
U-2
At low throttle in the dark, the U-2 approached an enemy target, remaining undetected almost until the moment of bombing. Since the bombing was carried out from low altitudes, its accuracy was very high, and the “corn bombers” inflicted serious damage on the enemy.
The article “Air Parade of Winners and Losers” was published in the magazine “Popular Mechanics” (
January 9, 1941 the first flight of a British aircraft took place Avro Lancaster- one of the most effective bombers of the Second World War. Read more about the iconic bomber models in our review.
Arado Ar 234 Blitz (Germany)
The world's first jet bomber, the Arado Ar 234 Blitz, has been in service with the Luftwaffe since 1944. It was equipped with two 20 mm MG 151 cannons and a bomb load of up to 1500 kg. Maximum speed the aircraft's speed was 742 km/h at an altitude of up to 6000 m. Initially, the vehicle was used for reconnaissance purposes, and later began to carry out air strikes against the forces of the anti-Hitler coalition.
Avro 683 Lancaster (UK)
The heavy four-engined Avro Lancaster bomber, the main bomber of the Royal Air Force, first flew on 9 January 1941. The Lancasters flew over 156 thousand combat missions and dropped more than 600 thousand tons of bombs. It was equipped with four 1280 hp engines. The maximum combat load of the vehicle was 10 tons.
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress (USA)
The legendary B-17 Flying Fortress entered service with the US Air Force in 1938. During the war years, the aircraft established itself as an incredibly reliable (there were cases when it returned to base with one working engine and almost completely destroyed skin) and accurate bomber. It was equipped with nine 12.7 mm machine guns and could carry up to eight tons of bombs on board. The plane was equipped with four engines of 1200 horsepower each.
Pe-2 (USSR)
The most popular bomber Soviet Union The Pe-2 made its first flight on December 22, 1939. The plane was equipped with two 1100-horsepower engines and was capable of accelerating to 542 km/h. It was equipped with 4 machine guns and up to 1 ton of bomb load. From 1940 to 1945, about 12 thousand cars were produced.
Piaggio P.108 (Italy)
The Piaggio P.108 heavy bomber was developed at the end of 1939. Piaggio assembled four modifications of the model: the P.108A anti-ship aircraft, the P.108B bomber (the most common), the P.108C and P.108T passenger airliner. Piaggio was one of the most powerful aircraft of World War II - it was equipped with four 1,500-horsepower engines. It was equipped with five 12.7 mm and two 7.7 mm machine guns. The vehicle could carry up to 3.5 tons of bombs on board.
PZL.37 Łoś (Poland)
The development of the PZL.37 "Los" bomber began in the early 30s. A total of 7 prototypes were created, the most successful of which was the P.37/III. This particular model was supplied to Spain, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania and Greece. It was equipped with two 1050-horsepower engines and was capable of carrying up to 1760 kg of bomb load.
Farman F.220 (France)
The Farman F.220 heavy bomber entered service with the French Air Force in 1936. The aircraft was equipped with four 950 hp engines. With. every. It was armed with three 7.5 mm machine guns and 4 tons of bomb load. Despite the fact that only 70 vehicles were created, they played a big role during the French campaign of 1940.
Mitsubishi Ki-21 (Japan)
The Ki-21 medium bomber was adopted by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1937. The plane was equipped with two 1500-horsepower Mitsubishi engines. It was capable of reaching speeds of up to 490 km/h. The vehicle was armed with five machine guns and 1000 kg of bombs.
You can find interesting models of “peaceful” aircraft in our review.
Dozens of different bombers operated on the fronts and in the rear of World War II. All of them had different technical characteristics, but at the same time they were equally important for their armies. Conducting many ground operations became impossible or became extremely difficult without bombing enemy strategic targets.
"Heinkel"
One of the main and most common Luftwaffe bombers was the Heinkel He 111. A total of 7,600 of these machines were produced. Some of them were modifications of attack aircraft and torpedo bombers. The history of the project began with the fact that Ernest Heinkel (an outstanding German aircraft designer) decided to build the fastest passenger aircraft in the world. The idea was so ambitious that it was viewed with skepticism by both the new Nazi political leadership of Germany and industry professionals. However, Heinkel was serious. He entrusted the design of the car to the Gunter brothers.
The first prototype aircraft was ready in 1932. He managed to break the then speed records in the sky, which was an undeniable success for the initially dubious project. But this was not yet the Heinkel He 111, but only its predecessor. The army became interested in a passenger plane. Representatives of the Luftwaffe achieved the start of work on the creation military modification. The civilian aircraft had to turn into an equally fast, but at the same time deadly bomber.
First combat vehicles left their hangars during civil war in Spain. The Condor Legion received the aircraft. The results of their use satisfied the Nazi leadership. The project was continued. Heinkel He 111s were later used on the Western Front. This was during the Blitzkrieg in France. Many enemy bombers of World War II were inferior to the German aircraft in technical specifications. His high speed made it possible to overtake the enemy and evade pursuit. Airfields and other important strategic sites in France were primarily bombed. Intensive air support allowed the Wehrmacht to operate more effectively on the ground. German bombers made a significant contribution to the successes of Nazi Germany in the early stages of World War II.
"Junkers"
In 1940, the Heinkel began to be gradually replaced by more modern Junkers Ju 88 (“Junkers Ju-88”). During the period of active operation, 15 thousand of these models were produced. Their indispensability lay in their versatility. As a rule, World War II bombers were designed for one specific purpose - bombing ground targets. With Junkers everything was different. It was used as a bomber, torpedo bomber, reconnaissance aircraft and night fighter.
Like the Heinkel in its time, this plane set a new speed record, reaching 580 kilometers per hour. However, production of the Junkers began too late. As a result, only 12 vehicles were ready by the start of the war. Therefore, at the initial stage, the Luftwaffe mainly used Heinkel. In 1940, the German war industry finally produced enough new aircraft. Rotations have begun in the fleet.
The Ju 88's first serious test came in the Battle of Britain. In the summer and autumn of 1940, German planes persistently tried to take over the skies over England, bombing cities and enterprises. Ju 88 played a role in this operation key role. British experience allowed German designers to create several modifications of the model, which were supposed to reduce its vulnerability. The rear machine guns were replaced and new armor cabins
By the end of the Battle of Britain, the Luftwaffe received new modification, which had more powerful engine. This Junkers got rid of all its previous shortcomings and became the most formidable German aircraft. Almost all bombers of World War II were changed throughout the conflict. They got rid of unnecessary features, were updated and received new characteristics. The Ju 88 had the same fate. From the very beginning of their operation, they began to be used as dive bombers, but the frame of the aircraft could not withstand too much load exerted by this method of bombing. Therefore, in 1943, the model and its sight were slightly changed. After this modification, pilots were able to drop projectiles at an angle of 45 degrees.
"Pawn"
In the series of Soviet bombers, the Pe-2 was the most widespread and widespread (about 11 thousand units were produced). In the Red Army they called him "Pawn". It was a classic twin-engine bomber, designed on the basis of the VI-100 model. The new aircraft made its first flight in December 1939.
According to the design classification, the Pe-2 belonged to the low-wing aircraft. The fuselage was divided into three compartments. The navigator and pilot were sitting in the cockpit. middle part the fuselage was free. At the tail there was a cabin intended for the gunner, who also served as a radio operator. The model received a large windshield - all bombers of the Second World War needed a large viewing angle. This aircraft was the first in the USSR to receive electrical control of various mechanisms. The experiment was a trial one, which is why the system had many shortcomings. Because of them, cars often spontaneously ignited due to the contact of a spark and gasoline vapors.