Tupolev ANT-10

Tupolev

Industry	Aerospace
Founded	1922
Founder	Andrei Tupolev
Headquarters	Moscow , Soviet Union
Products	Aircraft

Template:Infobox aircraft The Tupolev ANT-10, also identified as the R-7, was a prototype light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft powered by a single engine, developed during the 1930s. Only one unit was constructed, with the Polikarpov R-5 ultimately being chosen over it.

Development and design

In 1928, the design team under Nikolai Nikolaevich Polikarpov introduced the Polikarpov R-5, intended to succeed the R-1—a Soviet-produced unlicensed replica of the Airco DH.9A that served as the primary light reconnaissance and bomber aircraft for the Soviet Union. In reaction, Andrei Tupolev's bureau developed a competing model to replace the R-1, drawing from Tupolev’s earlier Tupolev R-3 design. Similar to the R-3, this new aircraft, designated ANT-10, featured a single-engine sesquiplane configuration with a duralumin airframe. However, it was equipped with a significantly larger upper wing inspired by that of the Tupolev I-4 fighter. The ANT-10 utilized an imported BMW VI engine, comparable to the one powering the R-5. It had an internal bomb bay capable of carrying up to 500 kg (1,100 lb) of ordnance.

The ANT-10 received the designation R-7 from the Soviet Air Force and completed its maiden flight on 30 January 1930. Despite this, its performance offered only marginal improvements over the R-5. Additionally, at a time when metal resources were scarce, the wooden construction of the R-5 presented a practical advantage. Consequently, development of the ANT-10 was discontinued within that year in favor of continuing production of the R-5.

References

• Duffy, Paul and Andrei Kandalov. Tupolev: The Man and His Aircraft. Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1996. ISBN 1-85310-728-X.
• Gunston, Bill. The Osprey Encyclopedia of Russian Aircraft 1875–1995. London: Osprey, 1995. ISBN 1-85532-405-9.