Tupolev SB-2

Tupolev SB-2 History

The Tupolev SB-2 ("SB" in the name stands for "skorostnoi bombardirovschik", meaning "fast bomber") was a light to medium bomber used by the Soviet Armed Forces during World War II. When the system was accepted for front-line service, the SB-2 was already a groundbreaking design, with features such as retractable landing gear, an enclosed cockpit, and an all-metal structure that were not traditionally used at the time. The SB-2 accumulated a respectable service record early on, but eventually came to demise with the arrival of more capable Axis fighters.

At least for a while, the SB-2 was the bomber of choice for the Soviet Armed Forces.

The initial design of the SB-2 came from the Tupolev company, using two light bomber prototypes, designated ANT-40. The second prototype was chosen as the production model and was called the SB-2.

The system featured two licensed Hispano-Suiza piston engines, each producing approximately 830 horsepower, giving the SB-2 a top speed of over 200 mph, faster than most fighter jets in any country at the time . The first flight took place in 1934, and the system hit front-line troops in early 1936.

The SB-2 was used with Soviet aircrews in the Spanish Civil War. Example also passed to China to stop Japanese invasion on this side of the world. In addition, Czechoslovakia is licensed to manufacture the system under the B-71 license. By the end of the war, about 6,900 examples will be produced.

The SB-2 aircraft was a typical twin-engine design compared to other WWII fast bombers of this type. The engine is mounted on a low-wing design with a sleek single-rudder fuselage. The three crew consisted of the pilot, an archer and a rear gunner.

Armament was defensive and consisted of 2 x 7.62mm machine guns in the nose, 1 x 7.62mm machine gun in the dorsal bayonet (sometimes mounted on the turret) and 1 x 7.62mm machine gun in the ventral bayonet. Maximum bomb load capacity is limited to 2,205 lbs in internal storage.

The Tupolev SB-2 was used successfully in the first few years of operation. The system's shortcomings didn't really become apparent until the arrival of the more powerful and advanced German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter.

To maintain the system as a viable weapons platform, the SB-2 was modified with increased fuel capacity, three-bladed propellers, and M-103 engines, each producing approximately 960 horsepower. Still, the system performed poorly, causing heavy casualties as a day bomber.

As a result, the system was relegated to after-hours service as a dedicated night fighter.

Specification

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