Sukhoi Su-2
| Company type | Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 1937 |
| Founder | Pavel Sukhoi |
| Products | Reconnaissance and light bomber aircraft |
The Sukhoi Su-2 (Russian: Сухой Су-2) served as a Soviet reconnaissance and light bombing aircraft during the initial phase of World War II. It marked the inaugural aircraft design by Pavel Sukhoi. The fundamental airframe was later enhanced with a more powerful engine and upgraded weaponry in the Su-4 variant, and adapted for close air support missions in the ShB model.
Development
In 1936, a directive from Joseph Stalin called for a versatile combat aircraft capable of conducting reconnaissance missions and subsequently engaging identified targets. This project, known by the code name Ivanov, required a multi-role platform.[1] At that time, P. O. Sukhoi was part of the Tupolev design bureau and developed the "Ivanov" under the supervision of Andrei Tupolev. The prototype, designated ANT-51, completed its maiden flight on 25 August 1937, piloted by M. M. Gromov. It was powered by a 610 kW (820 hp) Shvetsov M-62 air-cooled radial engine, achieving a maximum speed of 403 km/h (220 kn, 250 mph) at an altitude of 4,700 m (15,420 ft).[1] Although this performance was deemed inadequate, the soundness of the design led to further trials with a stronger powerplant. When fitted with a 746 kW (1,000 hp) Tumansky M-87 engine, the ANT-51 attained 468 km/h (255 kn, 290 mph) at 5,600 m (18,370 ft), leading to its acceptance into production under the designation BB-1 (Blizhniy Bombardirovschik; Russian: Ближний Бомбардировщик – "short-range bomber").[1] In 1940, the aircraft was rebranded as Su-2 and the problematic M-87 engine was replaced by a more reliable Tumansky M-88.[1] This updated version equipped with an M-88B engine demonstrated speeds up to 512 km/h (275 kn, 320 mph) during testing.
Constructed using mixed materials, the Su-2 featured a semi-monocoque fuselage with wooden spars covered by plywood skinning. Its wings combined duralumin and steel elements with fabric-covered control surfaces operated by rod linkages. Both pilot and rear gunner were shielded by armor plating measuring 9 mm (0.35 in) in thickness. The aircraft employed retractable taildragger landing gear, including a retractable tailwheel.[1]
Operational history
By the time production ceased in 1942, a total of 910 Su-2 aircraft had been manufactured. Despite this, the model was outdated and inadequately armed at the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War. Su-2 units assigned to ground attack missions experienced significant losses during engagements with German forces, with approximately 222 planes lost in action. Starting in 1942, the Su-2 was gradually phased out from frontline service and replaced by bombers such as the Ilyushin Il-2, Petlyakov Pe-2, and Tupolev Tu-2. Subsequently, the Su-2 took on roles primarily focused on training and reconnaissance. Nevertheless, due to an acute shortage of aircraft during the early stages of World War II, some Su-2s were temporarily employed as emergency fighters.[1]
Loss rate comparison
While the Su-2 has faced criticism for its attrition rate, its loss statistics compare favorably to other Soviet attack aircraft deployed during World War II.
| Aircraft type | Mean missions flown before loss |
|---|---|
| Su-2 | 80 |
| Pe-2 | 54 |
| Il-2 (two-seat) | 26 |
| A-20 | 19 |
| Il-2 (single-seat) | 13 |
Variants
Su-2
- A light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft designed for two crew members. Initially designated as BB-1.
ShB (Russian: ШБ — Штурмовик Бомбардировщик; "Attack aircraft-bomber")
- A ground-attack variant proposed with an M-88A engine and redesigned landing gear that rotated 90° before retracting rearward into the wings, similar to the American Curtiss P-40. The bomb-carrying capacity was increased to 600 kg (1,235 lb). Developed in 1940, this model never entered production due to the availability of the Ilyushin Il-2.[1]
Su-4
- An enhanced version originally planned to use the Urmin M-90 engine delivering 1,565 kW (2,100 hp), but ultimately equipped with a Shvetsov M-82 engine (some Su-2s were also retrofitted with M-82 engines). Due to shortages of duralumin, wing structures were constructed from wood covered with plywood skin. The wing armament was upgraded from four 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns to two 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine guns.[1] Although one prototype was built and tested, this improved version did not proceed to mass production.
Operators
Specifications (Su-4)
See also
References
External links
- Su-2 details at WINGS PALETTE Archived 2018-10-21 at the Wayback Machine
- Su-2 information from Avia Press Archived 2018-10-21 at the Wayback Machine
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